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El Rio Community Health Center

Reproductive Health Access Project

Take Control

of your

Sexual Health

Our Services

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What is RHAP?

At El Rio, we know that young people are powerful and capable.

El Rio's Reproductive Health Access Project (RHAP) is a team of young people just like you—dedicated to empowering teens to take control of their sexual and reproductive health.We're here to help young people access the sexual and reproductive health services, education, and support they need. We also work to raise awareness about sexual health issues that affect teens. We want to change the way our generation understands and navigates sexuality and healthcare.RHAP is a program of El Rio Community Health Center in Tucson, AZ. We offer a variety of teen/young adult-only clinics at El Rio locations throughout the city. At these clinics, anyone ages 14-24* can receive FREE & confidential sexual and reproductive health services.

Our services include birth control, STI testing and treatment, PrEP & PEP, pregnancy testing, pregnancy options counseling, sexual health counseling, & more. We provide transportation to & from clinic visits.

Thanks to Arizona law that allows certain rights to minors, you do not need parent permission to receive services through RHAP. We keep your visit private & confidential.But that's not all. We also host & attend various events across Tucson to empower youth & promote our sexual health education. Check us out on Instagram (@elriorhap) for the latest updates!

What can you expect at our clinics?

  • You will check-in at the front desk, then asked to fill out a consent form and general information such as your name and date of birth.

  • Our medical assistant will place you in a room, check your vitals, and ask you the reason for your visit.

  • You can meet with the provider to discuss all your sexual health needs, and then receive services the same day (or at a different appointment, if you prefer)

  • You will NOT be required to have a pelvic exam for STI testing/treatment or when starting a birth control method (except IUDs).

  • We provide urine or self-swab testing for all STI testing. This means that you can collect a sample for your test, not the provider.

  • If you require a pelvic exam or external exam, our providers will walk you step-by-step through the process before even starting the exam.

  • Remember: You have a right to refuse an exam or stop an exam at any point. You are in charge during your clinic visit!

  • If you have any questions about what to expect during a clinic visit, feel free to reach out! You can DM us on Instagram or call 520-AZSHINE (520-297-4463).

Meet the Team!

We’re here for you! If you have any questions, or in need of sexual or reproductive talk with a peer — chat with any of us! Feel free to DM our Instagram or Twitter account @elriorhap.

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FAQ

Do I need parent permission?
Parent or guardian permission isn't needed to receive most of our services. It is completely confidential for ages 14-24. The only two exceptions are referrals to hormone therapy and starting PrEP/PEP. You must be 18+ for those services, or have parental permission.

Do you offer rides to/from in-clinic appointments?
We provide rides via Uber/Lyft to patients who are 18+ OR riding with someone who is 18+. Call our AZShine Line / (520) 297-4463 once you've scheduled your appointment to book rides.

Can I bring a friend/parent/partner with me to my appointment?
Yes, feel free to bring a supportive friend, parent, partner, etc. to your appointment! Having somebody that you feel comfortable around can help ease anxiety during appointments and procedures.

How is RHAP funded?
El Rio RHAP is a grant-funded program under Advocates for Youth in Washington, DC. Other supporters include: Banner University Health Plans, Bank of America, and many individual donors that we are immensely thankful for!

Can I get my prescriptions mailed to me?
Yes! If you already have a prescription with us, you can make the change from pick-up to delivery by calling (520) 297-4463 or AZShine Line. If you need a new prescription, schedule an appointment and be sure to let your provider know!

How can I get involved with RHAP?
As of now, we aren't looking for new volunteers. However, in the future, we'll post applications on our social media as positions become available. The best way to support us and the Tucson youth community is simply by spreading the word, reposting our information on social media, and keeping active with our work! Your support is greatly appreciated! For inquiries, please DM us on Instagram (@elriorhap) or e-mail Joy: [email protected]

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Male-Identifying Clinic

We believe that males are also included in the conversation of reproductive health! That's why we've designated a speciality clinic for all young male-identifying people to come get STI tested, birth control/condoms, trans health resources, and more.Our male clinics are run by all male identifying staff, including provider Justin Shears, FNP.You can find us at El Rio Abrams from 1:00 - 4:00 every Tuesday.

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RHAP Workshops

Pizza Protection Parties (PPPs) are age-appropriate and comprehensive sex ed sessions that RHAP Youth Leaders organize for youth-serving organizations and schools in Tucson. PPPs are generally one-hour sessions including the following topics from the 3Rs Curriculum: Birth Control and STIs, Healthy Relationships, Navigating Technology, and Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation.

  • Birth Control and STIs :

This PPP focuses on the basics of birth control methods and how they work. The birth control methods covered include the IUD, implant, ring, patch, pill, condoms, and emergency contraception. The presentation also covers the basics of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), testing, and treatment. A condom demonstration is included in this presentation.

  • Healthy Relationships :

This PPP teaches the spectrum of unhealthy to abusive relationships, how to set boundaries, and how to spot red flags in relationships. A condom demonstration and condom negotiation practice is included in this presentation.

  • Navigating Technology :

This PPP describes how youth can navigate technology safely. This includes information on porn, sexting, sex trafficking, and how to spot red flags from strangers on the internet.

  • Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation :

This PPP describes the basics of gender identity and sexual orientation. This includes conversations around biological sex/sex assigned at birth, gender roles, and how to support LBGTQ+ people.

  • Peer education is sharing information and experiences with other people who share something in common. Among youth, peer education has been used to discuss topics that aren’t talked about as much or considered taboo.

  • Sexual health peer education has been found to be especially effective. It’s been shown to increase the use of birth control and methods to prevent STIs.

  • Meet the RHAP Peer Educators!

  • Source: The Peer Education Approach in Adolescents

Interested in having RHAP host a Pizza Protection Party (PPP) at your organization or want to request a PPP topic?
Send us a message here!

More Information on PPPs:

  • Should be requested at least 6-8 weeks in advance

  • Generally last 1 - 1.5 hours

  • Organized by youth, for youth. Because of this, we ask that this be a youth-only space to maximize comfortability, encourage peer-to-peer education, and make the learning space as safe as possible. Parents or guardians are welcome to talk to RHAP members before or after the session!

  • Depending on group size and funding, we may be able to provide pizza and/or incentives

  • We kindly ask that private schools who are interested in PPPs donate to our program. These donations will go to funding other PPPs for youth-serving organizations

Other Workshops/Trainings

These are available for youth or adults in the community

  • About RHAP: This goes through an overview of the El Rio Reproductive Health Access Project including how the project started, how youth got involved, and the evolution of our work.

  • Youth-Adult Partnership: This presentation describes the basics of Youth-Adult Partnerships with RHAP as the case example. We teach about Hart’s Ladder of Youth Participation, how to meaningfully engage youth in organizations, and help come up with next steps for your organization!

  • Trauma-Informed Care: This presentation addresses the history of trauma in sexual and reproductive health work, defines trauma-informed care, and trauma-informed sexual and reproductive health provision. Participants will specifically learn trauma-informed language, how to take a trauma-informed pelvic exam, and will be supported in coming up with a script for them to use with their patients.

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Use the link below to order for free menstrual products

The Period Project is a project created by RHAP youth with a mission of increasing access to menstrual / period products for young people. This project includes our Period Mailing Service, Period Bars, and a Period Pizza Protection Party coming soon

In February 2021, the RHAP team designed and implemented a period product mailing service for young people in Tucson and surrounding cities. We partnered with a local nonprofit organization, Go With The Flow, to provide access to free menstrual supplies through a simple online order form . By May 12, 2024, RHAP has sent out 2,279 of orders with up to two months worth of period products in each package. This project has reached some of the highest need areas in Tucson.

We mail out up to two months worth of period products per order and mail out every Monday. We offer:

  • Pads

  • Liners

  • Seasonal items include: Period Underwear, Menstrual Discs, and Reusable Liners

  • Tampons

  • Menstrual Cups

  • Pregnancy Tests

Pads

Tampons

Menstrual Cups

At-Home
Pregnancy Test

Period Bars

RHAP offers carts full of period products to local organizations that support young people. We provide the cart, period products, and other sexual and reproductive health products the organization is interested in. We offer pads, tampons, liners, menstrual cups, condoms, pregnancy tests, and lube for Period Bars. RHAP works with the organization for restocks.
BICAS is the first location with a Period Bar! If you’re interested in getting one for your organization, contact us here!

FAQs

I didn't receive my order, what do I do?

  • DM us on Instagram (@ElRioRHAP) and we can resend your package out

  • We do not offer tracking

How can I get a Period Bar at my organization?

  • Contact us here and a RHAP member will get back to you!

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Clinic Schedules

Check here for a monthly list of our providers’ same-day and appointment-based availability! You can also call our AZShine Line (520) 297 - 4463 to find the best time that works for you. <3Ages 14-20 will not require insurance at all El Rio locations.Ages 21-24 will not require insurance at El Rio Congress, El Pueblo, NorthWest. All other locations will require insurance or use a sliding scale payment fee.For same-day clinics, simply text our Medical Assistant (520-310-7832) starting 2 hours before the clinic starts to be put on the schedule.

For the following appointment-only clinics, call our AZShine Line (520-297-4463) to schedule.

For office use:

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Make An Appointment

You’ve come to the right place! Our AZShine Line is the easiest way to get an appointment for RHAP services.

(520) 297 - 4463

free, anonymous, & available wherever you are
with hold-times of less than 3 minutes!

Need a ride?

call this number if you need an Uber/Lyft to & from your appointment — free and available for anyone 18+ or accompanied by someone who is 18+.

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At El Rio we offer Birth Control, STI Testing and Treatment, Pregnancy Testing, Sexual Health Counseling, Trans/Gender Diverse Shape-Wear and much more for FREE or Low Cost. Scroll Down to learn more about what we offer Same-Day!

Birth Control Options

Pills

  • Taken daily

  • Uses estrogen & progestin

  • Various options for each need (ie. acne, bleeding, etc.)

  • 91% effective, on average

IUDs

  • Small, T-shaped piece of plastic that is inserted in the uterus

  • hormonal (Progestin) & non-hormonal options

  • Lasts 3-12 years: "get it & forget it"

  • 99% effective, on average

Implant

  • Matchstick-sized rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm

  • Contains Progestin

  • Lasts 4 years, "get it and forget it"

  • 99% effective, on average

Patch

  • Thin, beige plastic sticker that looks like a square Band-Aid

  • Typically placed on butt, thigh, back, or arm

  • Contains the Hormone Estrogen & Progestin

  • 91% effective, on average

Ring

  • A small, bendable ring that the user inserts into their vagina

  • Leave it in place for 3 weeks at a time, then take it out for the 4th week

  • Contains the Hormone Estrogen and Progestin

  • 91% effective, on average

Depo-shot

  • An injection shot given in the upper arm, butt, or stomach

  • Lasts for 3 months at a time, must receive every 3 months

  • Contains the Hormone Progestin

  • 91% effective, on average

Emergency Contraception Pills

  • AKA Plan B or "the morning after pill"

  • Works up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, but works better the sooner you take it

  • Plan B (not Ella) is available for free and without a prescription at our Congress pharmacy!

  • Mon - Fri (9am - 6pm)

  • Sat (8am - 4pm)

External & Internal Condoms

  • Used to prevent pregnancy and STIs

  • Should be used for all kinds of sex: including vaginal, oral, and anal

  • Various sizes

  • Internal/external available

Want to learn about more birthcontrol options?
Use this link Below to get a deeper diver into all birth control options!

Sexually Transmitted Infections

STI Testing

  • Most STIs do not have symptoms, so the only way to know is to get tested

  • A urine or swab sample is used to test for most STIs

  • Blood samples are required for HIV and Syphilis testing

STI Treatment

  • Prescribed antibiotics to treat most STIs

  • Management options for other STIs

  • We also offer Vaccines that can prevent HPV and Hepatitis A and B

PrEP & PEP

  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis / post-exposure prophylaxis

  • PrEP is a daily pill or a shot given every two months to prevent getting HIV in the future

  • PEP are pills taken within 3 days of possible exposure to HIV to prevent getting HIV

  • At this time, you must be 18 years old or older to receive PrEP, or have parental permission.

STI Vaccines

  • We also offer Vaccines that can prevent HPV and Hepatitis A and B

Other Services

Pregnancy Testing

  • Confidential tests in-clinic

Period Project

  • Sign Up for Free mailed menstrual products

  • These include tampons, pads, cups, etc.

  • Learn more here!

Exams

  • Breast Exams

  • Testicular Exams

Referrals

  • Referrals for:

  • Substance Abuse

  • Mental Health

  • Abortion Services

  • and more!

Affiriming Wardrobe

  • Various Affirmming Wardrobe items in clinic for free

  • Chest Binders

  • Packers & Packing Pouches

  • Shaping Underwear

  • HRT Referrals

Cervical Cancer Screening
(Pap Smear)

  • Cervical Cancer Screenings help detect cancer cells from HPV

  • At El Rio, samples can be self-collected or collected by a provider!

  • Recommended that sexual active people with uteruses get a pap smear every 3 years starting at age 21

Reproductive Health Counseling

  • Chat with your provider about anything sexual health related

  • You can also schedule appointments just to talk with a healthcare provider and not receive any other services

Reproductive Health Presentation

  • A brief presentation / q&a about general sexual health

  • Presented by our teen leaders

  • a great way to get introduced and familiarized with birth control options, STIs, consent, and more

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To understand how birth control works, it might be helpful to know how pregnancy happens in the first place! Watch this clip to learn a bit about pregnancy and reproduction before you start a method.

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Gender-Affirming Care

Use this link to access our Gender Affirming clothing

Clothing Items

  • Chest binders, bras, prosthetic breasts

  • Various sizes available

  • Please reference our sizing chart

Hormone Therapy

  • Referrals to a doctor who specializes in trans health and hormone therapy

  • Must be 18 or with parental permission

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More Information Coming Soon!

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Contact

The quickest way to reach us is through Instagram!
Our Social Media Team is always keeping track of our Instagram DMs, and we will be sure to respond to your message within a day.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about RHAP and the services we offer, but we cannot schedule appointments through Instagram.To schedule appointments or ask questions about our clinic, please call our AZShine Line (520-297-4463) during working hours.For other inquiries or opportunities, please e-mail Joy, our Teen Health Programs Manager: [email protected]

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Shop RHAP!

Want to support our project financially? Or just looking to show off some reproductive justice merch? Look no further!

Donate here ->

T-Shirt

  • Available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL

  • Limited edition tee (only 18 prints!)

  • $35 donation

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Meet the Team!

Hi, thanks for stopping by!! You’ll find our team working behind the scenes creating social media content, in-clinic giving education sessions to patients, or on-campus handing out Plan Bs! Read on to learn about us.

Ana

  • She/her/hers/ella, 20

  • Taurus ♉️

  • Major in Physiology and Medical Sciences, Minor in Spanish at UA

  • Favorite TV Show: The Vampire Diaries

Why did you join RHAP?
”Because I want more teenagers to have access to sexual and reproductive health since we don't talk about this subject as much as we need, and as a consequence it's seen as a taboo.”

P.S. -
Fun fact: Mamma Mia has been my comfort movie since I was 5 years old.

Karen

  • She/her, 24

  • Sagittarius ♐️

  • UA Alumni - BS in Physiology and BA in Political Science: Law and Public Policy

Why did you join RHAP?
”I joined RHAP because it's incredibly community-oriented and is hands-on at addressing reproductive justice!”

Jess

  • She/her, 23

  • Scorpio ♏️

  • BSHS in Physiology with minors in biochemistry and care health and society

  • Favorite Book: Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Why did you join RHAP?
”I joined RHAP because reproductive wellness is something I care about so much and I wanted to be able to teach youth about sexual education.”

Cassandra

  • She/her/hers, 23

  • Aquarius ♒️

  • University of Arizona Graduate

  • Favorite Song: Better by Khalid

Why did you join RHAP?
”I joined RHAP because I want to help young people like me access inclusive, comprehensive sexual health services and education to make decisions about their reproductive health!”

Daniel

  • He/him/el, 20

  • Taurus ♉️

  • Favorite Movie: Shrek

Why did you join RHAP?
”I join RHAP to spread the word of the wonderful information we have to youth.”

Dezjanira

  • She/her/ella, 21

  • U of A

  • Favorite Artist: Interpol

Why did you join RHAP?
”I joined RHAP because I thought the mission seemed too good to be true and I felt like I had to see it for myself. Now, 5 years later, Im loving being apart of this initiative as it has been everything I hoped it would be!”

Emily

  • She/her, 20

  • Virgo ♍️

  • Environmental Studies and Latin American Studies and Minor in Spanish

  • Favorite Artist: Mariah Carey

Why did you join RHAP?
”I was interested in getting involved in Reproductive health Justice work. I also wanted to do more volunteer work.”

Jessica

  • She/her, 21

  • Pisces ♓️

  • Pima Nursing

  • Favorite Movie: Django Unchained

Why did you join RHAP?
”Because I am passionate about helping other people find their power, and I love teaching/educating! Collaborating with others and serving a community of people just like me brings me a lot of joy and purpose.”

P.S. -
I made this website in a day and my hands hurt.

Joy

  • She/her/hers, 44

  • Capricorn ♑️

  • Family Nurse Practitioner/Teen Health Programs Manager

  • Favorite Show: This Is Us

Why did you join RHAP?
”I started rhap in 2017 in partnership wirh Advocates for Youth to increase access to sexual reproductive health services among teens in Tucson. Since then, our rhap members who are young people of the community, have grown rhap into so much more. At it’s core, rhap is the model for how young people are changing the narrative that young people are leading the way.”

P.S. -
I’m a mom to 3 kids and two dogs. My partner and I love to spend as much time outdoors as possible with our crew camping, hiking and biking. I also love baking vegan gluten free treats!

Milagro

  • She/her, 17

  • Pisces ♓️

  • Favorite artist: Tyler the Creator

Why did you join RHAP?
”Interested in learning more and be able to educate others like me.”

Rebecca

  • She/her, 23

  • Capricorn ♑️

  • University of Arizona - Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

  • Favorite Artists: Silk Sonic (Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars) <3

Why did you join RHAP?
”I wanted to get involved in serving the Tucson teen community and learn more about reproductive justice!”