For many students stepping onto a college campus for the first time—or for anyone, frankly—sex can be a lot. There is both the new opportunity to explore this formerly elusive world and a sudden thrust into the very real emotional and physical implications that come with sex. Induced shame, forced ignorance, and a lack of access to information and resources can lead young adults to feel overwhelmed about entering this new stage of their life. Navigating the world of sex health and reproductive justice on campus and in the city can be confusing—that’s why we compiled this list of resources for you.
Whether you’re interested in personal wellness or communal advocacy, whether you’re having it or not having it, whether you feel prepared or sex is simply not on your mind right now, there’s a place on Locust Walk (or nearby) that has what you need.
Medical Care Office: 3535 Market St.
Counseling Office: 3624 Market St.
“At Wellness at Penn, we are committed to ensuring the wellbeing of our students through a variety of services.
Vibe is Wellness at Penn’s asynchronous sexual health education program focused on exploring information and tips that are curated to help you improve your sexual health and relationships. We provide inclusive, judgment–free education and resources to help you make informed choices about your body, relationships, and sexual wellbeing. Students can sign up to receive the program via email on our website.
We are also proud to offer an accessible vending machine to our students filled with free over-the-counter wellness products. Currently, we have one vending machine located on the third floor of the ARCH building (located at 3601 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104).
Finally, students can visit our website for a full list of medical services provided through Student Health and Counseling. In addition to services we offer, we can also provide referrals to other community health resources to ensure every student has access to the care they need.”
—Mary Kate Coghlan, director of communications, Wellness at Penn
Penn Women’s Center: 3643 Locust Walk
LGBT Center: 3907 Spruce St.
For over 50 years, Penn Women’s Center has worked to create a safe space for women on campus. The center offers services such as confidential counseling as well as helping connect students to a broad network to cater to specific needs. Advocacy is similarly important to the center, as it hosts events throughout the school year about topics like gender equality and reproductive health.
Located near Gregory College House, the LGBT Center has become a home for many queer students on campus. The center offers a variety of resources to set queer students up for success at Penn and beyond. With events and educational programming, a focus on advocacy, and a strong built–in network, the LGBT Center has created a space for students to explore and celebrate their gender and sexuality.
“Student Health, Penn Women’s Center, and the LGBT Center are private spaces that are accessible to all Penn students. Staff in these centers can answer questions and help navigate various resources and services.
Several student organizations provide peer-led educational programs and opportunities for children advocacy and engagement related to sexual health and reproductive rights. A few of these groups include:
- Penn Reproductive Justice
- Penn Association for Gender Equity
- Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health
- GEM: Guidance, Empowerment, and Medicine in Women’s Health
- If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice”
—Elisa Foster, director, Penn Women’s Center
Penn Violence Prevention: 3935 Walnut St., Suite 400
“We want our students to understand that sexual health includes building healthy relationships and good consent practices. Penn Violence Prevention (PVP) offers both staff and student–led (by our amazing team of Penn Anti–Violence Educators!) workshops on consent, bystander intervention, setting healthy boundaries and how to support friends if they've been impacted by interpersonal violence. As a confidential resource office on campus, PVP is available for one–on–one conversations with students who would like to bolster their awareness and skills around good consent practices in their sexual relationships and we're also available if you've had an experience that wasn't consensual and you want to talk to someone about it. We partner closely with many campus departments and community resources and can help students understand resources available at Penn and beyond. No question or experience is too big or too small!”
— Elise Scioscia, director, Penn Violence Prevention
“PRJ sends a warm welcome to all new and returning students! For sexual and hygiene health resources, students can go to the Wellness Express vending machine (located on the third floor of ARCH). PRJ also offers its confidential emergency contraception residential services, which will reopen this semester. Students can also visit Student Health and Counseling, Penn’s Women’s Center, Penn Violence Prevention, and the LGBT Center for additional resources.”
— Johana Munoz, Philly education lead, Penn Reproductive Justice
Highlights:
- Wellness Express Vending Machine at the ARCH: From tampons and hand sanitizer to condoms and Plan B, the vending machine offers a variety of wellness products—all available for free with a swipe of your PennCard.
- Penn Reproductive Justice confidential Plan B delivery: Free and anonymous—just fill out the form in the organization’s Instagram bio or right here.
- Planned Parenthood: At 1144 Locust St., Philadelphia’s Planned Parenthood health clinic offers STD testing, abortion services, and gender–affirming care. Walk–ins are welcome, or call the clinic at 215–351–5560.
- Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center: Located at 300 E. Hunting Park Ave., PSARC is a private, nonprofit center that offers treatment for victims of sexual assault. Patients receiving treatment are not required to file a report with police.
- Free or reduced STI testing through Wellness at Penn: Free for students on the Penn Student Insurance Plan and $10 to $30 for students on their own insurance, Student Health and Counseling offers STI testing. Whether or not someone is experiencing symptoms, it is important for sexually active individuals to get tested.
