By Cecilia Gutierrez |Staff Writer|
X-rays, pap smears, lab work, and birth control are just a few of the many services provided by the Student Health Center (SHC).
The doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists and health educators of CSUSB SHC are dedicated to providing the highest degree of health care to university students.
Specific services provided by SHC include a medical clinic, laboratory services, a pharmacy, STI/STD testing, women’s health immunizations, health and wellness promotion services and confidential medical services.
Most of the services provided by the department are either covered by the student health fee or carry additional fees.
Some fees may be applied to specialty services, procedures, labs, vaccines, prescriptions and/or supplies.
Costs are subject to change depending on these factors, therefore consultation is necessary when determining costs.
The SHC also works with several other health sectors on campus in the hopes of providing quality services and promoting health awareness.
Family Planning, Access, Care and Treatment (PACT) program, a service compatible with SHC, focuses primarily on reproductive health.
They provide confidential family planning and services like no cost birth control, condoms, emergency contraception and reproductive health screenings.
Again, consultation is needed in determining if a student qualifies.
Quality health and promotion does not only take place within the walls of SHC.
Thr!ve, in particular, is a sector that promotes healthy living and vitality outside the SHC building.
Prevention is essential to staying healthy and Thr!ve promotes this through monthly health education outreach campaigns.
Some of the events they are involved in include Breast Cancer Awareness Month, World AIDS Day and American Heart Health Month.
Another service outside the SHC building is the Coyote Produce Stand, which sits in front of University Hall every Thursday.
They serve fresh fruit and freshly squeezed beverages.
The produce stand has been here on campus for nearly three years now and it helps promote healthy eating, giving students a convenient alternative to the other less healthy foods here on campus.
Debrianna Gonzalez, a CSUSB junior, references these health care services as “really convenient.”
“We should all be taking advantage of these services. Unfortunately, a lot of people think they don’t qualify or are kind of scared. But this is our health and we should be making every effort to stay healthy,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez added, “We only get one body and one life; we need to take care of it.”
Indeed, confronting health issues can be of great difficulty.
There are many departments that come together to promote health awareness. However, it is up to you, the student, to reach out to these services.
Even if you already have health insurance, the Student Health fee is mandatory. So if you need any type of health service, you should take advantage of these quality, convenient and affordable facilities while you can.
You can make an appointment at the Student Health Center by going online to coyotehealth.csusb.edu.
You may also attain more information by calling (909) 537-5241 or by stopping by the SHC located to the right of the Santos Manuel Student Union. The SHC is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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