Let’s Talk About Sexual Health on HBCU Campuses

By Anissa Durham, Word in Black

An initiative to support HBCU students with sexual and reproductive health care launched Dec 1. The program is spearheaded by Power to Decide, a national organization that works to advance sexual and reproductive well-being for people who have the most barriers to access.  

As access to reproductive health care becomes increasingly restricted, the organization is prioritizing one of the most impacted groups — Black students. The program, Beyond the Sheets, takes an innovative approach to sexual and reproductive care. Instead of leading the charge with the typical physicians and educators, Power to Decide provides resources to let students take the lead.  

JeNeen Anderson, senior director of health equity at the organization, says part of their focus on HBCUs is because she graduated from one. Her love for HBCUs and the vitality they play in the Black community was enough reason to center their approach on the Black student experience. 

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“If you look at what is going on in our country regarding sexual and reproductive health, with the reversal of Roe, the effects are taking place where HBCUs are located. HBCUs are also underfunded, but they are pillars of the community.  

They’re really positioned to fill in the gaps for students where their local communities have become sexual and reproductive health deserts. It just makes sense to have a specific initiative that really focuses on HBCUs.”

Word in Black has the full interview.

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