An apple a day keeps the doctor away…
Convenience, reduced costs and dedication to student’s needs; we’re not talking any ordinary healthcare provider here.
Utah State University’s Health and Wellness Center is “one of the best student health centers around,” said Dr. Jim Davis, director of the center. “It’s a hidden secret.”
Equipped with three physicians, five nurses, a lab technologist, a pharmacist, an X-ray technician, health educators, psychiatrist, an orthopedist and physical therapy, the center is able to handle just about anything that comes its way. Physicals, vaccinations, you name it.
“We cater to the problems students have,” Davis said.
All registered USU students are eligible for care free of charge. Free: a favorite word among poor college students.
According to the Health and Wellness Center’s brochure, “Every semester students pay a health fee, which enables us to provide many of our professional services without any cost to you at the time of your visit. However, our laboratory tests, X-rays, physical therapy visits, individual dietitian counseling, some of our supplies and any medication have nominal fees associated with them.”
Insurance isn’t necessary, Davis said.
The center, located just north of Romney Stadium, boasts a bright and cheery atmosphere which aims to educate students, not just treat them.
“Students are vessels into which you can pour information,” Davis said. “They are willing to learn.”
Students want to be healthy, he said.
The number one diagnosis, Davis said, is upper respiratory infection, followed by sore throats and depression. The center has facilities that can diagnosis and treat many things; however, on occasion patients may be referred to outside providers.
Even the community realizes the quality of care given and refers students back to the center for follow-up work, Davis said.
“They were professional and knew what they were doing,” said Megan Harrell, a junior majoring in family and human development who has visited the health center in the past. “I trusted them.”
Harrell said she also liked the fact that the health center has male and female practitioners. It can add to the comfort level of many.
Used for both décor and to just plain educate, the bulletin board on the walls of many of the exam rooms are full of helpful information.
Questions on almost all health-related subjects can be directed to the Wellness office, located in the rear of the health clinic. The main focus of this department is to educate, or “look at the whole picture,” said Jana Carling, prevention specialist for the Wellness Center.
“Anything you might have a question on regarding health, we have a professional on staff who can help you answer it,” Carling said.
Most of the Wellness Center is run by volunteers.
“We wouldn’t run without our volunteers,” Carling said. “They do hours and hours of work.”
Three major focus groups that the volunteers are a part of, Carling said, include: heath educators, who help with campaigns all over campus whether it be drug and alcohol abuse prevention and education or stress and anxiety management; Student Athlete Mentors (SAMS); and Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug facilitators (ATOD), who teach educational courses.
Carling said a majority of time at the Wellness Center is spent coordinating drug and alcohol prevention and awareness. The Wellness Center also has a full video and book library that anyone, including faculty and staff, is welcome to come and look at, she said.
The Health and Wellness Center, in the past, was located in the Taggart Student Center. With the change of location, the center has seen fewer walk-ins, but all in all Davis feels that the center is utilized well. The new building offers three times the space, and has allowed the center to expand the services that it offers.
Davis said his job provides him with a great opportunity to teach students about health. This being the first time many students are out on their own, he uses it as an opportunity to mold them and make them good students.
Davis hopes that more students will take advantage of this service in the future. After all, it’s already paid for and is current, quality care.
The Health and Wellness Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary, but is encouraged. And, remember your student ID.
-jlkarras@cc.usu.edu