Student Health and Wellness Center
Primary Medical Care
The SHWC provides outpatient primary medical care and outpatient mental health services. Licensed, professional staff include but are not limited to: a Doctor of Osteopathy, Family Practice Physician, Family Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurses; and other allied health professionals.
Primary Medical Care Services
Acute Care and Injuries
Same day care is available for students with urgent medical needs during regular hours. A staff member will evaluate your medical complaint or injury when you call or come in. Acute conditions and injuries will be seen in order of urgency. If the problem is not urgent, you may be asked to return for an appointment. We know your time is valuable, and we will make every effort to serve your needs in a timely manner.
Allergy Injections
Our nurse can administer allergy desensitivity injections for students who have seen their allergist and provide their own antigen(s). Students must also provide the allergist's written instructions and dosage schedules, as well as the name and address of their physician. Any changes in the dosage schedule require written authorization from the allergist.
Birth Control and Safe Sex Supplies
The Student Health and Wellness Center provides comprehensive birth control services to students. Students who are sexually active are encouraged to consider their need for contraception in advance of sexual activity. Whether you are seeking information about birth control or you need help selecting a method that is suitable to your health, lifestyle and relationship, one of our practitioners can help you make the decision that is right for you. Most methods of birth control are available including birth control pills, the Depo Provera injection, the patch, diaphragms and cervical caps. Emergency contraceptive (also known as the Morning After Pill) is also available. This is a hormonal method to prevent pregnancy if used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
We offer a nice variety of safe sex supplies in our "over the counter" drug store. These items include condoms, lubricants, foams, female condoms, spermicides, dental dams and vaginal contraceptive film. If the student is uncomfortable purchasing these items, we have forms to fill out and a staff member will fill the items in the back, place them in a bag and hand them discretely to the student.
Family Planning Expansion Project (FPEP)
Free contraceptive services and birth control supplies.
The purpose of the Family Planning Expansion Project (FPEP) is to reduce unintended pregnancy and increase access to primary medical care services for those in need. For eligible SOU students, FPEP funding provides for free contraceptive education, counseling, and planning services, including gynecological exams and Pap smears, and birth control supplies for men and women.
Eligibility requirements for FPEP:
U.S. Citizen*Resident of Oregon (local address qualifies)Meet income guidelines (see below) |
|
| # in Family | Maximum Monthly Income |
| 1 | $1511 |
| 2 | 2035 |
| 3 | 2560 |
| 4 | 3084 |
| * Call for more information 552-6137 | |
US Citizenship
Proof of US Citizenship has been added as an eligibiity requirement for FPEP services. A full list of acceptable documents
can be found at: http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/fp/docs/providers/fpepcitizeniddocumentlist.pdf
Chronic Disease Management
Nurse practitioners and general physicians are available for the assessment, monitoring, and treatment of ongoing or chronic conditions--to the extent to which the clinicians are trained, and as long as it remains in the best interest of the students. More complex conditions may require the consultation of, or the referral to, an off-campus specialist. Off campus treatment and evaluation is the financial responsibility of the student. Coordinated care with the outside clinicians can help keep expenses to a minimum.
Immunizations
Immunizations are available to the Student Health and Wellness Center for hepatitis A & B, measles (necessary for admission to the university), mumps, rubella, diphtheria/tetanus, influenza, chicken pox and other vaccines.
Laboratory Services
The lab at the Student Health and Wellness Center is licensed by the federal government as a moderate complexity lab. For most common medical problems, we perform rapid tests, which enable clinicians to use the results right at the time of the patient visit. For less frequently required or more complex tests, samples are sent to reference labs at least daily. The time when results will be available depends upon the tests ordered. Contracts with the reference labs reduce the costs of testing, and enable us to charge less than standard fees. Except in unusual circumstances, charges are put on the student account, and the students with insurance submit the claim themselves.
Men's Health
Sexual health problems of men may include concerns about sexuality, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections and prostate conditions. Men need to be as concerned about their sexual organs as women. We encourage male students to do regular monthly self-exams of their testicles to check for abnormalities or lumps that may indicate a serious condition. Testicular cancer occurs most commonly in young men, so regular self-exam and early detection is critical. You may request to be scheduled with either a female or male practitioner if you have a preference. For information on free services, see FPEP.
Minor Surgical Procedures
Clinicians are available to repair lacerations, remove or biopsy skin lesions, treat ingrown toenails, as well as to perform other minor outpatient surgical procedures. Usually an initial brief visit is used to discuss options, which is followed by a later appointment for the procedure itself. Referrals are made to outside practitioners for more complex problems. Liquid nitrogen freezing treatments are available once a week for warts and similar skin conditions.
Over the Counter Medications
Many nonprescription medications and supplies are available to students without an appointment. These include common pain relievers, vitamins, bandages, thermometers, vaginal preparations, cold remedies, etc. Charges are referred to the students' SOU accounts.
Physical Exams
Physical exams are available for travel, employment, school transfer, athletic participation, or for personal reasons.
Prescription Medications
Many commonly used prescription medications are stocked at the Student Health & Wellness Center for students. A consulting pharmacist insures that proper procedures are maintained. Costs for medications are usually lower than retail, and special order medications are available. Only prescriptions written by SHWC professionals can be filled within the SHWC. Charges are referred to the students' SOU accounts.
Sexual Orientation Issues
The staff at the Student Health and Wellness Center are sensitive to the health issues and concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, inter-sexed and questioning individuals. We welcome you to use our services and encourage you to openly discuss your concerns.
STD Screening and HIV Testing
Counseling and screening for sexually transmitted diseases are available through a combination of examination and laboratory testing. Treatment for STDs is available for students and their partners. Confidential screening for HIV is available by appointment for a nominal fee. Feel free to schedule an appointment to discuss the risks and exposure routes of HIV to help you decide if testing is right for you.
Sports Medicine
We provide services for students with musculoskeletal problems or those who sustain physical injuries. Referrals can be made to the training room in the physical education department for treatments when necessary.
Wart Treatments
Liquid nitrogen is available for wart treatments one day each week. It is available less frequently during summer sessions. Other types of wart treatments are routinely available.
Women's Health
An "annual exam" is recommended for all women. This exam includes an assessment of general health as well as sexual health. The exam includes a thorough breast exam, pelvic exam and Pap smear, and a laboratory screening for cervical cancer. Women will be taught how to perform the practice of breast self exam (BSE). BSE is an important first-line of defense against breast cancer. Pregnancy testing and counseling is available. When an unplanned pregnancy occurs, all options are discussed with the student. The Student Health and Wellness Center does not perform abortion or adoption services, but referrals for these services are routinely made. Follow-up is maintained. Obstetrical care is not provided, though students may continue to take advantage of all available services unrelated to the pregnancy. Students will be referred to local practitioners for pre-natal care. For information on free services, see FPEP.
