{"id":269127,"date":"2026-04-15T14:22:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T14:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/269127\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T14:22:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T14:22:07","slug":"love-respectfully-at-ou-the-oakland-post","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/269127\/","title":{"rendered":"Love respectfully at OU \u2013 The Oakland Post"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oakland University hosted its \u201cLove Respectfully<\/a>\u201d event on April 2, giving students access to sexual and reproductive health resources while encouraging open, informed conversations about topics that are often stigmatized.<\/p>\n

Hosted by the Graham Health Center<\/a> in collaboration with Student Congress<\/a> and Greek Life<\/a>, the event took place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Habitat<\/a> and overlook lounge. Students were offered free STI testing, immunizations, contraceptives, Plan B, pregnancy tests and refreshments, making it easy to access services in a convenient, low-pressure setting.<\/p>\n

The event aimed to create a more open campus environment by normalizing conversations around sexual health and wellness. Organizers emphasized that bringing resources directly to students helps reduce stigma and increases participation, especially for those who may feel uncomfortable visiting a health center.<\/p>\n

Ann Rayford, director of the Graham Health Center, said conversations surrounding sexual health and immunizations are often avoided due to discomfort or lack of awareness.<\/p>\n

\u201cSexual health, I think just sometimes it\u2019s not something that\u2019s talked about,\u201d Rayford said. \u201cIt can be taboo, whether it\u2019s how we were raised, people don\u2019t feel very comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rayford explained that this lack of conversation can prevent students from seeking care or asking important questions. She emphasized the importance of regular testing, particularly for young adults navigating new relationships and increased independence.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know unless you get a test,\u201d Rayford said. \u201cReally one in four young adults can have an STI and have no symptoms at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to testing, the event highlighted the importance of routine vaccinations. Rayford noted that many students underestimate their role in maintaining both personal and community health.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we are young and we\u2019re like, \u2018I\u2019m healthy, I\u2019m invincible,\u2019 we just don\u2019t always think about it,\u201d Rayford said. \u201cBut there are some things for adolescents and young adults and things that we should get every year like flu and COVID so that we can help protect ourselves and others around us.\u201d<\/p>\n

A key goal of the event was to raise awareness about the services available through the Graham Health Center and encourage students to take advantage of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf people don\u2019t come to the health center, we want to bring it outside of the health center so people know that it\u2019s available,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Rayford also noted that collaboration across campus departments and community partners played an important role in the event\u2019s success.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a lot of partners here,\u201d Rayford said, pointing to support from Student Affairs and the Oakland County Health Department, which provided free STI screenings.<\/p>\n

Student Congress distributed emergency contraception and pregnancy tests, while additional resources and giveaways encouraged students to stop, learn and engage.<\/p>\n

The initiative also included opportunities for students to connect with the Healthy Campus program<\/a>, which promotes long-term wellness and healthy decision-making.<\/p>\n

Organizers said creating an open and welcoming environment allows students to ask questions, access services and learn about their health without fear of judgment. By making these resources visible and approachable, the event encouraged students to take proactive steps toward their well-being.<\/p>\n

The \u201cLove Respectfully\u201d event reflects Oakland University\u2019s broader commitment to student wellness and preventive care.<\/p>\n

By focusing on education, accessibility and collaboration, the university continues to support students in making informed choices about their health while fostering a more open and supportive campus community.<\/p>\n