Box 7: Student-Run Health Service Organizations, 1969 - 2005

In 1969, members of the Student Health Service collaborated with student leaders to launch “The Open Clinic” in assigned rooms at the Health Service building. While the student-run Open Clinic was fully autonomous, the Student Health Service provided advisors, resources, orientation and training to student volunteers. The Open Clinic was originally organized to provide information on birth control, including contraception and abortion, and referral to specialists in obstetrics and gynecology. In the wake of an infamous “drug bust” of 40 University of Denver students on January 21, 1970, the Open Clinic also expanded to include peer counseling on drugs and drug addition, mental health and psychological support. The Open Clinic moved to Alpine House, 2030 South Gaylord Way in January 1972. In later years, the Clinic shifted focused to prevention by hosting seminars, such as Rape Self-Protection Seminar held in October of 1979. While primarily focused on DU students, the Open Clinic was also open to the public. In 1983, the Open Clinic name changed to Gaylord Street Center. In 1988, the name for the peer counseling service changed to ACCESS.