Students often visit the University Health Center for vaccinations or checkups, but few take the time to find out what’s available before health reasons prompt them to go.
On Sept. 25, the Health Center held its open house, giving an overview of its services as well as welcoming new and returning students.
“We put out lots of information for students,” Medical Administrator Bob Petit said of the open house.
Located at the corner of East 13th Avenue and Agate, students can visit if they need medical services, or if they are interested in the student insurance plan. The University community can also take advantage of the Counseling and Testing Center, located on the second floor.
“We’re a full-blown clinic,” Health Education Director Paula Staight said. “We offer multiple services.”
Others spoke highly of the overall atmosphere, as well as the quality of the resources.
“It’s a wonderful, wonderful place,” Health Center Acting Director Anne Mattson said.
Mattson has served as acting director since Gerald Fleischli stepped down Sept. 15.
She said the search committee for the position will decide on a new director by June. Mattson said she’s pleased to be working at such a well-regarded institution, as the Health Center is considered to be among the best in the nation.
“I’m very proud to have this opportunity,” she said.
The center offers an urgent care unit to supplement services offered by Sacred Heart Medical Center. The entrance for urgent care is located on the west side of the building. The center also has after-hours care, which includes the Telephone Nurse Triage Service for advice.
The Health Center also takes part in the federal Family Planning Expansion Project, which provides U.S. citizens within a certain income range with free birth control, dental dams and condoms.
Women’s gynecological services and counseling are also available — partners are welcome to come to appointments.
There is a pharmacy that not only fills prescriptions from Health Center nurses and doctors, but also prescriptions given by other doctors. Over the counter medication, such as pain killers and cough syrup are available.
Other amenities include an allergy and asthma clinic; a travel clinic, which offers the appropriate booster shots for foreign travel; a preventive care dental clinic; and physical therapy and sports medicine.
In October, the Health Center will be scheduling events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In November, the center has scheduled events to celebrate for the Great American Smoke Out and in December the establishment plans to honor World AIDS Day.
Health Center urgent care hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, except Tuesday, when the center opens at 9 a.m.. Weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 346-2770 for clinic appointments.