El Rio Community Health Center
Reproductive Health Access Project
Take Control
of your
Sexual Health
Our Services
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.
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 (520) AZSHINE. 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]
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. <3For same-day clinics, simply text our Medical Assistant (520-310-7832) 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:
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+.
Our Services
Here’s a list of everything we offer at our clinics.
Birth Control
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.
Pills
Taken daily
Uses estrogen & progestin
Various options for each need (ie. acne, bleeding, etc.)
IUDs
Small, T-shaped piece of plastic that is inserted in the uterus
hormonal & 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 progesterone
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
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
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
91% effective, on average
Emergency Contraception
AKA Plan B or "the morning after pill"
Works up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, but works better the sooner you take it
Stop by any El Rio pharmacy and ask for one!
Sexually Transmitted Infections
STI Testing
A urine or swab sample is used for most STIs
Blood sample for HIV
STI Treatment
Prescribed antibiotics to treat most STIs
Management options for other STIs
PrEP & PEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis / post-exposure prophylaxis
A pill that is taken everyday to prevent/treat HIV
At this time, you must be 18 years old or older to receive PrEP, or have parental permission.
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
Gender-Affirming Care
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
Other Services
Pregnancy Testing
Confidential tests in-clinic
Vaginitis
Evaluation of vaginal discharge/odor
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
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]
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.
Alexa
She/her, 21
Capricorn ♑️
Studying Pharmaceutical Sciences at UA
Favorite Artist: Still Woozy
Why did you join RHAP?
”I think it is a great program that emphasizes the importance of reproductive health, mental health, and healthy relationships in youth. This population is vulnerable and malleable so it’s important to give them the resources and skills they need for adulthood.”
P.S. -
I’m fluent in Spanish!
Ana
She/her/hers/ella, 19
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.
Cassandra
She/her/hers, 21
Aquarius ♒️
University of Arizona Physiology and Medical Sciences major
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, 18
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.”
Gurbeen
She/her, 20
Libra ♎️
UA studying Microbiology
Favorite Artists: Kali uchis, Tyler the Creator, and Steve Lacy
Why did you join RHAP?
”I joined RHAP because I am interested in advocating for and educating teens on sexual health.”
Jess
She/her, 22
Scorpio ♏️
BSHS in Physiology with minors in biochemistry and care health and society
Favorite Book: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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.”
Jessica
She/her, 20
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!
Karen
She/her, 22
Sagittarius ♐️
UA Alumni - BS in Physiology and BA in Political Science: Law and Public Policy
Harry's House is the best album rn
Why did you join RHAP?
”I joined RHAP because it's incredibly community-oriented and is hands-on at addressing reproductive justice!”
KynBreanna
She/her, 23
Scorpio ♏️
Bachelors in Public Health: Emphasis in Health Promotion
Favorite Movie: Madagascar
Why did you join RHAP?
”RHAP felt like a family the first day I joined this amazing organization. I love the people, the history and the overall mission of El Rio.”
Milagro
She/her, 16
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!”