NOTE: Island Sexual Health contacted Nexus to clarify that their current financial situation is not to do with funding being cut, as is stated in the statement from the Camosun College Student Society below. Rather, it is to do with “chronic underfunding.”
With Island Sexual Health (ISH) struggling to cover their costs this year, the Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) announced today that they will donate $1 per member (Camosun student) to ISH. The CCSS has confirmed to Nexus that the total amount is $9300 and they hope to have the money to ISH late next week.
“Minister of Health Terry Lake has failed students by cutting funding to Island Sexual Health,” CCSS external executive Simka Marshall said in a statement. “Comprehensive and accessible sexual health services must be maintained in the Capital Region.”
The CCSS, who represent over 9,000 students at Camosun College, are challenging other organizations, including the University of Victoria Students’ Society, to match—or beat—its pledge of $1 per member.
“Island Sexual Health provides sexual and reproductive health care that is valued by students and the community,” said Marshall in the statement. “By cutting sexual health services, Minister Lake is condemning young people.”
Over 26,000 people used the services of ISH in 2013.