Dr. Gibson's stature in the county medical association signaled to other practitioners and to the county health department officials that this project would have her characteristic quality and integrity. First, the State of Washington agreed to designate Western Washington University an official testing site with its own state testing number. This process allowed us to process the HIV lab tests at no cost to the student. Second, the State of Washington agreed to allow our students to attend state training sessions for HIV counseling and testing and partner notification at a reduced cost. Since the beginning, approximately 50 peer educators have been trained to deliver the program.
Most students choose the peer testing and counseling program.
Over 2,000 Western students have received counseling and testing services. Additional Sexual Health Programs Primary and Secondary Prevention via Peer Sexual Health Educators is provided to students through access to free and anonymous peer counseling services to explore contraceptive options, to ask questions about sexually transmitted infections in a safe environment, and to discuss relationship issues. Peer sexual health educators provide students access to web sites that help each student explore options and to professional health and psychological counselors. This program empowers men and women to take an active role in introducing their risk of being accused of or experiencing sexual assault. The students integrate information and discussion about facts that contribute to sexual violence and how to effectively communicate consent.