While in college, students must navigate obstacles ranging from midterms to sexually transmitted diseases. The Real Education About College Health (REACH) program at Binghamton University is in place to help students stay safe.

The program aims to provide information about health issues related to drugs, alcohol, sex, peer pressure and stress management that students face on a daily basis. Its members also participate in campus-wide programs and events run by their interns, where students can attend and discuss anything from sexual health to alcohol and drug issues. REACH also participates in larger events like the Red Flag Campaign, which helps raise awareness about domestic violence by playing games and placing red flags in the ground along the Spine.

Amber Ingalls, the supervisor of REACH, said that the purpose of the program is to teach college students about common health issues and to make them aware of the different resources available to them on campus, which include pamphlets, free condoms, free lubricant and information on STDs. REACH also provides one-on-one consultation to discuss topics such as birth control options, healthy relationships and any other issues students may encounter day-to-day.

“We utilize data from our campus, the state and the country to make sure we are meeting the needs of our students as they navigate college life,” Ingalls said. “[This] can include decisions influenced by peer pressure, healthy decision-making related to alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, healthy relationships, sleep and stress management and general self-care.”

Most programs are run by interns, and any student can apply to be one and be trained to become a peer educator. Interns attend a class twice a week where they learn about various health topics, such as sex education and stress management. Each intern must complete 120 hours in order to receive credit.

Emma Ryan, a REACH intern and a junior majoring in integrative neuroscience, said that in addition to having the class, REACH interns complete outreach every week, which entails talking to students about prevalent health issues. Other than tabling and helping resident assistants hold events, interns help run the Clothesline Project, Red Zone Campaign and De-Stress campus initiatives.

Ryan added that she enjoys how the program allows her to talk to students openly about important topics.

“REACH allows us to open a dialogue about topics that can be a little awkward to talk about, such as sexual health,” Ryan said. “The REACH program, like other peer education internships, utilizes students to make the campus a better place, which is part of the reason that these programs are so successful.”

Josh Jaffe, a REACH intern and a sophomore majoring in integrative neuroscience, said that REACH has value because it addresses important issues that students may not be aware of.

“I think REACH is very important because so many college students don’t know about the consequences of unprotected sex or drinking and drugs,” Jaffe said. “Many think nothing can happen to them, when it could if one is not careful.”

Ingalls said that it is important to understand that not every student has had the same education about topics like sexual health, and that REACH emphasizes the importance of open communication between partners when it comes to their sexual health.

“Some students come in with limited knowledge about resources available to them and healthy decision-making related to sexual health,” Ingalls said. “We want students to be prepared to have conversations with their partner, when they are ready, about STI testing, birth control options, what is and is not what they want in their relationship and how to communicate with partners about sexual health.”