Many college students are far from home, which leaves them far away from services that they may be used to receiving. Being away from your doctor or those who provide you with health services can be difficult, especially during busy semesters or packed sports schedules. But here in Quincy, there are services students can utilize if they need help with testing, getting contraceptives, preventative care screenings, or simply if they just need someone to talk to about their individual health.

Adams County Health Department offers family planning services, which may sound misleading to many. Family planning does not mean you are planning for a family, it has equal need for those planning a family and those who are not. It is simply a place that offers a client-centered level of care that is accessible and safe for individuals.

“The goal of quality family planning is to offer family planning services that will help clients achieve their desired number and spacing of children and increase the likelihood that those children are born healthy. It also provides guidance for how to support the health of clients who choose not to have children,” Emily Hendrickson, director of nursing, said.

Family planning offers contraception services or free condoms for those who would like to prevent a family, which can be utilized for every walk of life. Or on the opposite spectrum, they offer pregnancy testing and counseling, support in achieving pregnancy as well as basic infertility services. If these services are not what you need, they also offer STD services, preventative health services, PrEP therapy, and HIV testing. It is important to note that they do not offer abortion services, however, they are here for you in whatever stage you find yourself.

Services like these are aimed at those who may need care, and do not have it, or those who may not be able to afford services at the moment. The services provided at ACHD are income-based, which means the majority of college students can receive services for free with zero-judgement from the workers in family planning. Going to receive help when it comes to your health can be scary, mainly due to the fear of the unknown. But, once again, the workers are absolutely judgement-free and happy to help.

“We pride ourselves on being confidential. We pride ourselves on being non-judgmental, and I feel like anyone who walks out of here feels that. Nothing is leaving the room, when you visit. No one has to know you’re coming here for services, if that’s what you want out of the visit,” Jordon Mondon, registered medical assistant, said.

“We really try hard to make people not feel ashamed or embarrassed, we want them to feel comfortable and that’s really important to us. This is a place that anybody can come to for care if they need to,” Janae McKenzie, family nurse practitioner, said.

Whatever is comfortable for you, is what the workers at Family Planning will help you achieve. These services are meant to help you achieve a better quality of life that is long-lasting. Whether you need the services or not, seeking a healthier life is here for you whenever you need it in this community.