Grow up, make an appointment
Written by Katie Moore and Amy Chandler
Red & Black (3/25/08)
Between midnight coffee recharges and nights out in the Classic City, University students have it made. The only bump along this blissful path seems to be the occasional sickness that delays the express route toward the next weekend.
With such a hectic lifestyle, we tend to neglect our health. Inevitably, we wind up under the weather, under the covers and under the considerable workload for our classes.
The University would be incomplete without the University Health Center. Its providers meet our various health care needs with dental cleanings, massages, counseling and prescription refills.
Since this is our first stretch of adulthood, we do have to seek care without the usual parental nudging. Fortunately, an appointment is only a click away with the health center's online appointment system.
The health center is a part of life for most students at the University. Approximately 80 percent of students who pay the health fee use the health center.
What many students don't realize is the health center relies on the students it serves. The student voice is represented by the Student Health Advisory Committee.
SHAC is a group of 16 undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds, majors and perspectives. We meet twice a month with the health center's executive director to discuss current health issues and concerns.
Topics we cover can be as trivial as what cough drop flavors to sell at the pharmacy or as significant as what services to include in the health center expansion.
Outside of regular SHAC meetings, members work with committees of health center staff on issues such as the online-appointment system or hiring new clinicians. The health center staff solicits our opinions and often integrates our suggestions into its new projects.
One member noted the health center's construction entrance was hard to find, resulting in signs directing people to the proper place.
Another member insisted that the new parking lot accommodate students who travel on two wheels, ensuring parking for motorcycles and scooters.
We also have addressed tougher questions such as encouraging students to make appointments ahead of time and helping them navigate the many intricacies of health insurance.
The possibilities for change are endless.
With the upcoming expansion of the health center, which will enhance existing clinics and include a new vision clinic, SHAC's voice is significant in assuring that student's needs will be met in the new facility.
Any University undergraduate or graduate student is invited to apply for membership in SHAC. The main requirement is that members commit to represent fellow students on campus as they work to ensure the health center serves students in the best way possible.
In case you won't be joining us, remember you don't have to be a SHAC member to tell us what you think. If you have any questions or thoughts you would like to share with us regarding the health center, use our Web site to send us your feedback. We'll make sure you get the information you're looking for and your voice is heard.
Come SHAC up with us.
Katie Moore is a sophomore from Charleston, S.C., majoring in broadcast news and French. Amy Chandler is a senior from Memphis, Tenn., majoring in public relations and marketing. They are on the Student Health Advisory Committee for the University Health Center.
|
