Due to an increase in demand and funding at the clinic, the Student Health Center will give out free Plan B on Oct. 13 in addition to flu vaccinations available to all students throughout the month of October.

Educational programming on STDs will also be available.

Louise Hanson, director of Student Health, said in order to raise awareness that Plan B, commonly referred to as the "morning after pill," is available at the Student Health Center, the pill will be given out for free at this special Wellness Clinic event.

"People know (Plan B is) over the counter but don't necessarily think it's OK to come to us," said Hanson. "It's more comfortable coming here."

According to a statement from Dean of Students Mark Bandas, "In an even fewer number of cases, the people making the report (of being sexually assaulted) indicated that they made the report in order to obtain certain medical services from the ED, including the ǃÚmorning after' pill and treatment for STDs."

Plan B has a commercial value of roughly $40-50 but is sold at the Student Health Center for $15.

Hanson countered the argument that dispensing Plan B will increase unsafe sex. "Having Plan B available doesn't mean people will change their behavior. If the unexpected happens, be prepared. When you get in your car, you put on a seatbelt, why not just have the pill sitting in your room if something does happen?"

In addition to Plan B, the health center is also offering free HIV screening, information about STDs and free flu shots. Unlike previous years when flu vaccines have been limited, the Health Center already has 3,000 vaccines in stock. The free shots will begin on Oct. 13 at the Wellness Clinic held at the Student Health Center, and continue through the rest of October at the Commons on Oct. 14 and Sarratt on the Oct. 28 and 29.