The Women's Health Department of University Health Services at Ritenour Health Center has been receiving some negative press lately from USG candidates and others.

We who are volunteers with the Peer Contraceptive Education Program (PCEP) and the Sexual Health Awareness Resource Program (SHARP), share many of the concerns and frustrations of other students surrounding the wait for contraceptive appointments, and the need for more staff and space in women's health.

There are some constructive things that you, as students can do! Throughout the Health Center (including women's health) there are a number of suggestion boxes in which you can make your feelings and concerns (as well as your compliments) known. These suggestions are processed by the Student Health Advisory Board and the Health Center director and are often the catalyst for changes.

There is no power in complaining to your roommate, but there is in the written word. Women can also help by keeping the appointments they make. "No-shows" prevent other women from receiving the medical attention they need because no appointment slots were open.

Space and staffing limitations have forced women's health clinicians to prioritize the kind of care they are equipped to give. These are difficult decisions to make, but currently, the reason there is more of a wait for contraceptive services is because women with problems and infections are seen as soon as possible. This is a natural medical decision based on the limitations imposed by lack of adequate staff and space.

Women's health clinicians, Joanna, Joanne and Jill are skilled and experienced nurse practitioners who care deeply about Penn State women and their health care. They take the time with each woman to explain procedures and educate women about their bodies and ways they can take an active role in their health.

Two days a week Drs. Pazmino and Sasso, gynecology specialists, are also available to provide skilled assistance at the women's health department.

Women's health needs your support. They need to hear from students who have benefited from the expert care and individual assistance offered there.

Attacking women's health will not induce change. Their space and staff resources are severely limited and they do the best they can under present constraints.

Unfortunately, they are receiving all the heat. Suggestions and complaints have the most constructive result when they are written down and placed in the suggestion boxes around Ritenour.

The administration that allocates the funds for women's health will hear you and they will listen. The staff at women's health would surely welcome USG candidates to visit and learn more about the realities of the situation.