Options for Sexual Health
Options for Sexual Health brings trusted, non-judgmental sexual and reproductive health care to communities throughout British Columbia. As we continue to see changes to the landscape of health care, Options continues to find ways to support the sexual and reproductive health care of people in BC. Last year, Options for Sexual Health faced a significant funding challenge, and they heard from many of their patients and clients about the impact Options has, not only in their communities, but also on their lives.
For Options, it’s important to not only be in big cities but also to meet the needs of people in rural and remote areas of the province where services are limited. For many people living outside major centres there can be a lack of local capacity, which creates real barriers to getting timely, confidential care. Options aims to reduce those barriers with a combination of clinical services, education, the Sex Sense phone & email resource, and an active Community Engagement team, all designed to meet people where they are.
Options understands that distance and limited services aren’t the only challenges rural residents face: smaller, close-knit communities may also amplify stigma, preventing people from seeking health care services, and local providers may lack specialized sexual health training. Options’ multi-pronged model addresses these layers by delivering direct clinical care, offering trusted remote advice through Sex Sense, building local skills through education, and creating ongoing community relationships through engagement work. The result is a more resilient local system where people can access care safely, confidentially and with dignity.
Clinical care that fits local needs Options provides clinical care in a way that most other health care providers can’t, especially in rural and remote communities. Options directly manages 33 clinics and partners with an additional 15 clinics to provide accessible and specialized sexual and reproductive clinical care. Clients can access sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, contraception and contraceptive counselling, cervical screening, pregnancy options information, and confidential follow-up care. Clinics aim to be inclusive and affirming for people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations and cultural backgrounds.
Education that builds local capacity Prevention and health literacy are core to Options’ work. Their education program delivers age-appropriate, evidence-based sexual health workshops in schools, for parent groups, and for professionals and service providers. In smaller communities this could be training for local health professionals, teachers, and youth workers so they have the confidence and tools to support their community. The program also works with Indigenous partners and culturally specific organizations to adapt the learnings and resources so they’re respectful, relevant, and effective. By strengthening local knowledge, Options helps communities keep more of their care close to home.
Sex Sense: confidential information by phone and email Options for Sexual Health recognizes that not everyone is able to (or wants to!) get in-person care right away. Sex Sense, Options’ phone and email resource, provides a low-barrier way to get accurate, confidential answers to questions about contraception, STIs, consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. The staff who answer Sex Sense are trained to be non-judgmental, trauma-informed, and practical: they explain options, help people figure out next steps, and connect callers or emailers with local services when clinical care is needed, which can also help ease the burden on local health care like family physicians, walk in clinics, and emergency rooms. For someone in a small town who may not be able to immediately access a clinic or clinician, Sex Sense offers immediate and reliable guidance — and when follow-up is necessary, the team can help connect people with resources to book appointments or referrals that respect the situation. If you or someone you know needs confidential advice, information, or an appointment Options’ Sex Sense phone and email service is a helpful first step. Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., they’re ready to help with your sexual health questions and concerns!
Community Engagement: outreach, partnerships and presence Options’ Community Engagement team is what turns policy and programs into real reach on the ground. That team builds partnerships with rural health centres, Indigenous health providers, schools, and social service agencies to design services that fit local realities. Community Engagement coordinates outreach events, pop-up clinics, and health promotion at markets, fairs, and other local events to not only provide access to information and resources, but also to help normalize sexual health as part of everyday community life rather than something to be hidden. The Options for Sexual Health website and social media channels are also a great resource for people looking for more information, with a low barrier access point for everyone!
Reaching farther: telehealth and flexible delivery Options also recognizes that sometimes it is just not possible to access a clinic in person, whether due to geography, work, school, or just otherwise busy lives! To accommodate this, Options now has a telehealth service. Telehealth consultations allow clinicians to provide care and follow up without forcing long trips. These flexible delivery models are designed to work around rural realities and reduce the distance between a person and the care they need. When local capacity is limited, Options also focuses on building partnerships in local communities and finding the best resources available for you.
How To Find Options Whether you live in a city, a small town, or a remote community, Options for Sexual Health aims to reduce barriers to care to be there for you! · To find a clinic in your area visit the Clinic Finder on Options’ website. · To access Sex Sense, visit SexSense.org or call 1-800-739-7367 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
By combining clinical services, education, confidential telephone and email support, and dedicated community outreach, Options for Sexual Health helps ensure geography doesn’t determine who can get quality sexual and reproductive health care.
Options for Sexual Health is a registered non-profit and charity. In order to continue to provide these services and more, they do rely on the generosity of people like you! If you’d like to support the work Options is doing, please consider becoming a donor, and help to ensure their services remain in the rural and remote communities of BC. Thank you!
