Oregon State University students now have a new, confidential, and cost-free option for sexual health testing with the arrival of DamTested.

The initiative, led by the Associated Students of Oregon State University in collaboration with campus health organizations, was officially launched Feb. 12.

The program provides free at-home STI testing kits which screen for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus. Students can request a kit through an online order form, which includes a questionnaire in order to determine the appropriate testing method based on their sexual activity.

“From the start, we knew expanding access to STI testing was a key priority for student health and well-being,” said ASOSU President Audrey Schlotter. “After taking office, we began researching potential partners who specialize in sexual health and could provide reliable, at-home testing options. We ultimately decided to purchase the tests from a female-owned company that focuses exclusively on sexual health, ensuring both quality and expertise.”

DamTested is a collaborative effort, with ASOSU securing the proper funding for the initiative while working closely with Student Health Services, the Center for Advocacy, Prevention and Education and university administration in order to ensure a smooth rollout of the program. 

According to the Sexual Health Coordinator at CAPE Amanda Stevens, CAPE is responsible for managing requests and shipping orders, ensuring confidentiality for students.

“Coordinating between multiple departments, ensuring the kits met student needs, and setting up a smooth distribution system all required careful planning and collaboration. Looking ahead, the biggest challenge will be keeping this program going long-term,” Schlotter said.

According to Schlotter, the initial response from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with nearly 60 orders placed within the first 24 hours of the program’s launch. Many students expressed appreciation for the privacy and accessibility at-home testing brings, removing barriers such as cost, time constraints and discomfort surrounding in-person appointments.

“We believe this initiative will lead to earlier detection, better treatment outcomes and reduced STI transmission within our campus community,” Schlotter said. “By making testing more accessible, we’re also working to remove the stigma around sexual health and empower students to take control of their well-being.”DamTested is currently in its pilot phase, with ASOSU and campus health advocates monitoring participation in order to demonstrate the demand toward continued funding. Students interested in obtaining a kit can do so once per term by visiting DamTested’s official website.