Sam Dunaway | News Editor

The CCare program, also known as Oregon Contraceptive Care, returns to Western to offer its services to students free of charge.

The program provides free birth control services, emergency contraception, Pap smears, STD testing and health education and counseling to qualifying individuals.

To qualify for the CCare program, a person must live in Oregon, be a lawful permanent resident, have a Social Security Number and meet the income requirements found on the Oregon Health Authority website. Individuals must reapply for the program on an annual basis to continue receiving its services. Benefits from the CCare program are completely free for qualifying students.

Various birth control methods are available for students to choose the what’s best for them. Options include pills, condoms, the Depo-Provera shot, a subdermal implant, spermicide and diaphragms. Staff are also hoping to add the contraceptive ring to that list soon. The program provides a one-year supply of birth control.

Services not covered by CCare include treatment for bladder infections, pregnancy testing and treatment for STDs, but these services are offered at the Student Health and Counseling Center for a fee.

Individuals that do not meet the qualifications for the CCare program are still able to receive all of the resources that the SHCC provides, and a fee will be charged to the student’s account.

SHCC Administrative Assistant Trisha Guy wants to encourage students to take advantage of the new program.

“It’s important to everybody to sign up for it that’s eligible. I can’t think of a reason why somebody wouldn’t want it,” said Guy. “Consider it carefully before you turn it down because it’s no cost to you whatsoever and I can’t see a downside to having it… Even if you’re not sure or don’t need it now, there’s nothing wrong with signing up for it now in case you need it later.”

The Student Health and Counseling Center is not the only clinic that offers CCare programs; various centers such as Polk County Public Health, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette and Marion County Health Department also offer the CCare program. Students enrolled in the program on Western’s campus can also receive services from other CCare providers.

Call the Student Health and Counseling Center at 503-838-8313 for more information on the Contraceptive Care program.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu