Appalachian State University’s Wellness and Prevention Services received a donation of 192 boxes of Plan B One-Step emergency contraception in early September. The donation, valued at $9,598, is anticipated to supply the department with emergency contraception for approximately six months, according to Jordan Perry, Director of Wellness and Prevention Services.
The donation significantly benefits the department, as purchasing its standard supply of generic emergency contraception would have cost $5,772. The initiative to secure this donation was spearheaded by Hailey Ricard, a senior child development major who works for the office.
Ricard began her search for donations after Wellness and Prevention Services experienced a temporary shortage of Plan B at the start of the semester. During the week the office ran out, Ricard recalled having to direct a student seeking Plan B to an off-campus pharmacy. This interaction reinforced her commitment to finding donations and grants for emergency contraception on campus.
“He seemed so stressed out, and I felt really bad for him,” Ricard said of the student. This experience motivated her to continue looking for solutions.
Ricard discovered the Plan B One-Step Emergency Contraception Donation Initiative through the Plan B website. She submitted information detailing App State’s student population, demographics, and the clear need for emergency contraception. While she expected the application process to take several weeks, she received news from the initiative within a few days. Ricard shared her excitement upon the order's arrival, stating, "We literally screamed in the middle of this coffee shop."
The typical retail cost of a box of Plan B ranges from $45 to $50, a price point Ricard notes can create a significant financial barrier for college students. She emphasized that a primary objective is to make emergency contraception both affordable and accessible. According to Planned Parenthood, Plan B may also be less effective for individuals weighing more than 165 pounds, potentially requiring a prescription that could incur higher costs.
Plan B is most effective when taken within three days of unprotected sex, at which point it can reduce the chance of pregnancy by 75% to 89%. While it can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, its effectiveness diminishes over time. It is important to note that Plan B will not terminate an existing pregnancy and does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Students can obtain Plan B and other contraceptives from the Wellness and Prevention Services front desk. To ensure privacy and reduce stigma, students are not required to provide their names or email addresses to access these items. The Wellness and Prevention Services office is located on the lower level of the Miles Annas Student Services building and operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Beyond emergency contraception, the office provides a range of sexual health resources, including condoms, pregnancy tests, and Narcan. Through its “Condom Fairy” program, students can order free sexual health supplies for discreet pickup. The staff also hosts “Sex in the Dark,” an event where students can anonymously submit questions about sexual health in a judgment-free environment. Ricard stated that the office's overarching goal is to "meet students where they’re at, no matter where they’re coming from, no matter what background."
Wellness and Prevention Services intends to pursue additional donations throughout the year to maintain its supply. Ricard’s next ambition involves partnering with University Housing to make women’s health products available in campus residence halls.
