By: Molly Gase
When illness attacks or a student suffers an injury while at The University of Akron, students have the option of paying a visit to Student Health Services.
Located on the entrance floor of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Student Health Services has a great deal to offer students with a valid UA ID card.
“I went there and it was pretty good,” sophomore Luisanna Tejaba said, a UA fashion merchandising major. “They took me in right away and it was a good service. I live near campus so its convenient.”
Student Health Services serves many functions for students visiting for the first time. An informational brochure describes their purpose as “designed to provide medical care for uncomplicated illnesses and injuries that are of recent onset and short duration.”
Students can come to the office of the Health Services and receive basic answers for their medical questions for free. The Health Services specifically deals with allergy injections, women’s health, health education and wellness and general health concerns.
Allergy injections can be administered by the nursing staff; however, students must have the correct forms and medical orders from a licensed physician before receiving said shots. Students are encouraged to call and schedule an appointment to receive these injections and they should also ask about the price of receiving these.
The Student Health Services also “offers gynecological examinations, including PAP smears, contraception counseling, and information about sexually transmitted diseases or preventative health,” according to the brochure.
Health services also offers education programs. In an attempt to be preventative, the health center offers many educational materials in its office, along with having a representative that will come into classes and speak if requested.
Students over the age of 18, his or her medical records will be private and can only be released with the permission of the student. The only way that information would be released is in the case of certain communicable diseases that Health Services must report to the Ohio Department of Health.
Though convenient for students living on campus, commuters may have more trouble making good use of the service.
Melissa Wise, a freshman in the BS/MD program and a commuter at The University of Akron, said “I’m sure I would make use of it if I lived on campus and had more time. But instead I just go home.”
Health Services also recommends that all students at the University be aware of certain vaccinations which they have available for a fee. These are hepatitis B series, tetanus booster, MMR (two doses) and Meningitis vaccinations. Students are also encouraged to be up to date with their immunizations for tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis and hepatitis B immunizations.
Senior Josh Bane said “I’ve always been very impressed with the health services on campus. I did study abroad and needed various vaccinations before leaving. Going through the health center at the Rec was an easy and cost effective option.”
The hours of operation for Student Health Services are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed on weekends and campus holidays. Appointments are needed and can be made by calling (330)-972-7808. The earlier in the day an appointment is made, the better. Any emergencies that occur after the operating hours of the center need to be taken to a local hospital or an urgent care center.
