One of the most popular spots on the Winona State University campus is home to many pop-up events throughout the year. On Feb. 11. The Winona State University Health & Wellness Center with the Winona State Reproductive Justice Club hosted a Birth Control 101 Pop-Up event in Kryzsko Commons.
According to Reproductive Justice Club President Karina Kpahn, the event went well even though this was the first time it was held. “It was fun connecting with students,” Kpahn said. “We had students come up who had no idea we had free Plan B on campus, so it was great that we got to let them know about that resource.” Kpahn mentions that many students attended the event and had good conversations and got information.
In 2023, the club began to distribute free Plan B on campus, working closely with the Health & Wellness Center to educate students on how to safely use this resource. It was last semester Lexie Yanta-Green, Health & Wellness Promotion Coordinator, reached out to Kpahn to set up with event.
According to Yanta-Green, the purpose of this event was not only to distribute emergency contraception, but also to “highlight the accessibility of the Minnesota Family Planning Program (MFPP). MFPP is a supplemental health insurance plan, that many students qualify for, that covers the cost of reproductive health appointments, such as starting birth control and STI testing and treatment.”
Yanta-Green also mentions that “When Reproductive Justice tables are promoting the access to free Plan B, students who engage in the conversation either leave with information or resources. Overall, we typically receive positive feedback, given our events are optional and educational.” Because of this, more similar events are likely to be held in the future with more collaboration between the Reproductive Justice Club and the Health and Wellness Center.
However, while emergency contraception may be free on campus, this does not mean that students can or should use it in any circumstance. It is vital to be educated on what birth control actually is and any other potential effects it may have on an individual’s health.
“Health Services and the Health Advocate club absolutely recommend that students meet with a provider before starting birth control. While over-the-counter birth control availability is a huge win for accessibility, we always recommend meeting with a provider to discuss personal health history as well as person preferences,” Yanta-Green says.
To stay up to date and informed on any new health events happening on campus, check the Winona State Health and Wellness center website.
