Grant helps ensure increased student engagement at Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic
Columbia, MD – The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) announced today the receipt of a grant from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) to promote and increase student engagement in the sexual and reproductive health clinic at Howard Community College (HCC). The funding, provided through the IWPR Connect for Success Initiative, will allow HCHD to ensure that the services provided at HCC meet the needs of the student population.
Connect for Success is a groundbreaking initiative aiming to significantly increase community college students’ access to high-quality, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services and supports.
“Many community college campuses across the country lack access to on-campus health services,” said Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer. “We have worked closely with County and HCC leadership to expand the sexual and reproductive health services available on campus. Now, we can use this opportunity to improve awareness of these comprehensive services and to make sure all students have access to high-quality care.”
Using funding provided by Howard County Government in 2022, The HCHD Health Services team was able to expand the hours and services available at its HCC Health Clinic. The next step will be administering a survey to HCC students and staff during the fall 2024 semester to assess current awareness and accessibility of these health clinic services. Other planned activities include building partnerships and connections with existing campus programs, completing student focus groups, recruiting student clinic champions, and expanding clinic branding.
“Two years ago, I announced a major $1 million investment to expand and prioritize preventative reproductive healthcare services at HCC, in order to ensure its students have improved access to the care they need,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “I want to thank Dr. Rossman, her staff and IWPR for further supporting the needs of our students and ensuring women have the right to make their own choices for their reproductive healthcare and family planning needs.”
“Every student deserves to be empowered by good information and quality guidance from caring experts when it comes to sensitive topics like sexual well-being,” said Dr. Daria J. Willis, Howard Community College President. “I am so proud that Howard Community College will continue to partner with Howard County to expand reproductive and sexual health services and provide our students with care when they need it most.”
“Community college students, especially those representing historically marginalized communities, often face significant barriers to accessing the sexual and reproductive health care and resources they need,” said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, president and CEO of IWPR. “Through Connect for Success, we are working to break down these barriers, ensuring that all students have the support they need to thrive academically and personally in order to succeed in life.”
HCHD was one of 11 recipients of funding through this initiative. For more information about Connect for Success and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, please visit https://iwpr.org/connect-for-success or contact Dr. Martinique Free, project director of Connect for Success, at free@iwpr.org.
Learn more about the sexual and reproductive health clinic operated by the Health Department at HCC by visiting our website or calling 410-313-7500. HCHD provides sexual and reproductive health services to Howard County women, men and teens and LGBTQIA+ communities. At our clinics there is no residency requirement, no one is turned away because of ability to pay, services are confidential, and there is no need for parental consent, regardless of age.
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research strives to win economic equity for all women and eliminate barriers to their full participation in society. As a leading national think tank, IWPR builds evidence to shape policies that grow women’s power and influence, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic well-being of families. Learn more at IWPR.org and follow us on Twitter.
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