On Monday, September 21, the Health Unit Sexual Health Clinic is asking all University of Windsor students and the community to assist in attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the most sexual health screenings done in 24 hours at a single venue by offering the first-ever mass sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing event on campus.

The University of Windsor Students’ Alliance, the UWSA Womyn’s Centre, the Student Health Services and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s Sexual Health Clinic are working together and using the T’s for Pee event to:

• raise awareness of the importance of getting tested;
• reduce the stigma of getting tested; and
• raise awareness of sexually transmitted infections and how to prevent them.

The rate of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in Windsor-Essex County over the past five years was significantly lower than the Ontario rate. The rates are highest among teens and young adults.

“STIs are not uncommon through the life span. Some STIs may be asymptomatic, or if symptomatic, the person may feel embarrassed to seek help,” says Maria Blass, director of Student Health Services at the University of Windsor. “This lighter approach to screen for a couple of STIs, incorporating the important messages of awareness, education and prevention, is a positive step towards de-stigmatizing and encouraging testing.”

The T’s for Pee event will take place Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the CAW Student Centre’s Ambassador Auditorium. Students can get tested for two very common STIs, chlamydia and gonorrhea, simply by providing a small amount of urine in a cup; each subject will receive a free colourful “I peed today” T-shirt.

To set a new record, the event will need to attract more than 517 participants. It will feature DJ music, a photo booth, and a fun health fair of Windsor-Essex community health service providers. All University of Windsor students, staff and faculty are invited to participate. More information is available at http://www1.uwindsor.ca/health/free-ts-4-pee.