Costumes, tricks and treats were in full swing at the annual Open Haunted House at the Student Health Center on campus this Wednesday.

“We’re doing games and informing students about services, STD’s and other health topics,” said Delia Ibarra, a Peer Advocate for Wellness (PAW) intern for the health center.

The PAW interns worked to put together Halloween themed games and prizes that revolve around health topics and services offered at the Health Center.

Students on campus were invited to come check out the Health Center to learn more about various programs and services offered, like birth control consultations and the rest of the full service clinic.

“A lot of people are interested in haunted houses around Halloween,” said Ibarra. “It’s a great way to get students into the Health Center for the treats, the costumes and the games. It’s fun!”

The staff, physicians and heath promotions department made sure to dress for the occasion, bringing the Halloween culture to life. Ibarra was dressed as Spiderman, complete with her face painted to mimic the superhero’s mask.

Students visiting the center, like Biff Tanner, are treated to a fully decorated and fake cob-webbed clinic, free games and prizes, and learning about what the health center has to offer.

“They’re doing a good job providing services for us in spite of the huge California state budget crisis,” said Tanner.

Tanner feels that most students think they simply don’t have health insurance, but full service health care on campus is included in tuition.

“It’s good to know that we basically have a Kaiser on campus,” he said. “I don’t think many students know that. Like, it’s good that they offer free STD testing, it’s nice to know you’re clean.”

Ibarra knows that this is one reason it is so important to have an open house to get the word out about all the things the Health Center offers students.

“This is good for us to build a relationship with the campus community,” added Ibarra. “We want to get them involved in health.”