Category Archives: Wellness Connection

Get Yourself Tested – Free HIV Testing

Sexual Health

 

Get Yourself Tested for FREE at the WellnessConnection!

The testing is confidential, LGBTQ+ friendly and affirming. Conducted in a discreet location within the Student Recreation Center.

Call 419.372.9355 or stop by the Wellness Connection in the Student Recreation Center to schedule an appointment today. Walk-ins are always welcome!

Location: Student Recreation Center | Time: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Fall Semester 2018: September 19, October 3, 17, November 7, December 5, 19
Spring Semester 2019: January 15, February 6, 20, March 6, 20, April 3, 7, May 1, 15

**Remember to bring a photo ID to the appointment

What to Expect

Once in the testing room expect to:

  • Show a valid photo ID
  • Fill out paperwork
  • Sign a few forms – Remember that the testing is CONFIDENTIAL, not anonymous, so a real name is associated with your paperwork and test results
  • Receive the test
  • Talk about what brought you in for a test today (i.e., what could be putting you at risk for HIV)
  • Talk about a “plan of action” to help reduce the risk for HIV in the future
  • At the end of the session, receive a result
  • Receive referrals to other agencies/providers, if necessary
  • Ask any questions or concerns about HIV
  • Fill out the evaluation form

Free HIV Testing

RecWell, Wellness Connection

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Schedule A Free Appointment Or Walk-In

This testing service, offered at the Student Recreation Center on the BGSU campus, is completely free and confidential. Call the Wellness Connection at 419.372.9355 to schedule an appointment for a Rapid HIV Test. Walk-ins are always welcome. LGBT friendly and affirming.

A real name is not needed when making the appointment. Free and confidential testing services are also available at other Free External Testing Sites throughout Northwest Ohio.

Testing Schedule Spring 2017 | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM

  • February 15 | March 1, 15 | April 5, 19

*Remember to bring a photo ID to the appointment

What To Expect

Upon arriving at the Student Recreation Center:

  • Check in at the Welcome Desk and tell the person at the Welcome Desk that you have an appointment with the Wellness Connection.  Someone can assist you from there.

Once in the testing room expect to:

  • Show a valid photo ID
  • Fill out paperwork
  • Sign a few forms – Remember that the testing is CONFIDENTIAL, not anonymous, so a real name is associated with your paperwork and test results
  • Receive the test: A simple gum swab, no blood necessary.
  • Talk about what brought you in for a test today (i.e., what could be putting you at risk for HIV)
  • Talk about a “plan of action” to help reduce the risk for HIV in the future
  • At the end of the session, receive a result
  • Receive referrals to other agencies/providers, if necessary
  • Ask any questions or concerns about HIV
  • Fill out the evaluation form

Big Playground 2017

Perry Field House, RecWell, Wellness Connection

Hello Everyone,

My name is Josie, I work for Recreation and Wellness and I’m here to tell you about Big Playground 2017! It is happening on February 24th from 10 PM – 1 AM in the Perry Field House. There will be lots of fun activities including an inflatable playground, caricature artists, Zumba, arts and crafts, and henna artists. There will also be free food and who doesn’t love free food?

There is also the very fun dance contest for singles, doubles, or any size group.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place win prizes so make sure to sign up now:
Big Playground Dance Contest Entry Form

Check out the Recreation and Wellness webpage for more information and to learn about other events!

BigPlaygroundBlogPhoto

Halloween Traffic Safety Tips

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Press Releases, RecWell, Safe Communities, Wellness Connection

Safe Communities of Wood County announced today that the annual safe driving Halloween National Mobilization is October 31 and November 12016.

Halloween means parties, and parties can encourage alcohol consumption. Because of this, Safe Communities of Wood County is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for The Halloween National Mobilization.

Plan Before You Party to Get Home Safely

You can stay safe and protect your neighbors by following these tips:

  • Plan a safe way to get home before you party because alcohol impairs judgement. You’re not going to make smart and safe choices if you’ve been drinking.
  • Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or a call a sober friend of family member to get you home.
  • Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. There’s no such thing as “I only had a couple.” If you’ve been drinking you shouldn’t be driving.
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement when it is safe to do so.
  • If you see someone you think is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.
  • If you’re caught drinking and driving you could face jail time, the loss of your driver’s license, and pay around $10,000 due to higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost wages due to time off from work.
  • Some people mistakenly think they can avoid a DUI by refusing to take a breath test. In many jurisdictions a refusal to take a breath test results in the loss of your driver’s license on the spot and the impoundment of your vehicle.
  • Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home. In 2013, 26 percent of all pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night involved a drunk driver.

Remember, Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Stay safe and protect your neighbors by making a plan to get home without getting behind the wheel on Halloween Night if you’ve been drinking.

For More Information:

Devin Smith’s Story

RecWell, Wellness Connection

 Devin Smith, B.S. in Applied Health Science – Specialization in Health Care Administration (2017)
Student Recreation Center Manager, Wellness Connection Attendant, and Peer Educator

I am a man of strong conviction and believe in the primary value of service to others, with education as a means to that end. Beyond school, working in Recreation and Wellness is part of what makes me happy to be at BGSU, as this environment encourages me lead a balanced and healthy life.

Getting people to care about people is a main motivator to me, and teaching others about a variety of health topics as a Peer Educator achieves that goal.
Growing up in a rough area in Detroit, MI has motivated me to take action to make a difference in the lives of others, and at the Wellness Connection, this opportunity exists. Getting people to care about people is a main motivator to me, and teaching others about a variety of health topics as a Peer Educator achieves that goal. Peer Educators present throughout campus to groups and student organizations on topics including healthy relationships, nutrition, body image, alcohol and other drugs, and sexual health. I enjoy making meaningful connections with others as I share my journey and teach.

While many staff in the department have been a positive influence on me, Faith DeNardo, Wellness Connection director, and Matt Reising, graduate assistant, have taught me so much! They have taken the time to listen to my passions and helped direct me toward success. I’ll admit, at times I thought I could change the world overnight. Matt and Faith supported me to frame and organize my ideas into manageable and feasible action plans, and to apply my leadership ability to our office, to my positions in RecWell, and to my life overall. I recommend getting involved as a Peer Educator and in RecWell programming to any student at BGSU––the people and programs here really make a difference!

Through my work involvement in Recreation and Wellness, I have also had the opportunity to represent BGSU at the Ohio Recreational Sports Association, the BACCHUS Regional conference, and the NASPA conference, proudly winning the 2015 Outstanding Student for the BACCHUS Institute of NASPA.

Beyond BGSU, I enjoy reading, and I am also an EMS for the city of Detroit and serve as a medic in the US Army.

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Devin Smith with Dr. Steve Kampf, director of Recreation and Wellness.