Health Services
Located along Campus Drive in Rhoads Hall, the McLachlan Student Health Center supports the university’s mission by removing health related barriers to learning and promoting an optional level of wellness. A cost-effective, comprehensive, and holistic approach to health care is provided in a confidential setting. Primary care is provided by certified registered nurse practitioners in collaboration with a licensed physician. The health center is staffed by registered nurses, 7 days/week, 24 hours/day during the academic year (except scheduled break periods). Van transportation is provided when needed.

The facility includes an outpatient clinic, inpatient facilities, a health promotion department with educational resources, and a self care center. The student health fee covers routine care, which may include referral to the staff physician, medication, flu vaccine, in-patient care, educational material and the self-care center. The student is responsible for all additional medical expenses that may be required, such as lab tests, x-rays, referral to specialists or dentists, hospitalization and non-formulary medications. Specific questions can be addressed by calling the charge nurse at 724-738-2052.

Absence Slips and Notification
The Student Health Center will provide written verification when a student is confined to his/her residence or the health center for 24 hours or longer. Written verification will be provided when a student is hospitalized if the health center is aware of the situation. The health center does not routinely issue statements verifying a brief student visit to the health center. No confidential information about the student’s health status can be released without the student’s permission.

Health Insurance
All registered graduate and undergraduate students are expected to carry health and accident insurance. This may be done through an independent source, or the student may elect to purchase coverage through the university student insurance program offered at the beginning of each semester. Brochures explaining the university student insurance coverage are mailed to all students in mid July and are available at the student health center.

Students who do not purchase the insurance offered through the university must indicate the independent insurance coverage that they carry by completing the insurance block on their health history form or by photocopying both sides of their insurance card along with completing the primary physician information.

Students participating in varsity athletics, overseas study, and international students must purchase coverage or show proof of comparable coverage.

Counseling Center
Counseling is a collaborative learning experience between the counselor and the student. It encourages the students to utilize the processes of self-exploration and problem-solving to identify their strengths and needs, place needs in priority order, and to set goals for themselves. Through the process of counseling, students may increase their knowledge and understanding of themselves, their relationships with others, and with their environment. Psychologists and professional counselors are available to talk with students on a confidential basis regarding personal matters in the student counseling center, located in 008 Old Main. Twenty-four hour emergency counseling services are also available by contacting either the McLachlan Student Health Center or University Police.

The Counseling Center administers a variety of tests that may aid students in their self-understanding.

HOPE Peer Education Program (Healthy Outreach through Peer Education)
The HOPE program is one prevention method used by the Student Health Center to educate the student body on issues related to student health. Students are trained to provide educational programs for fellow students on issues such as high-risk alcohol consumption, date rape, stress management, healthy relationships, sexually transmitted infections, and communication skills. Students interested in becoming a peer educator should contact the Coordinator for Health Promotion at 724-738-2670.

Protection Connection
Developed in 1998 in response to student suggestions, the Protection Connection offers a variety of safer sex supplies to the student population. The purpose of this service is to encourage sexually active students to realize the importance of the use of barrier protection to reduce their risk of contracting infection. Supplies are available to students at cost. The Protection Connection is staffed by HOPE Peer Educators, trained students who are knowledgeable about sexually transmitted infections and risk reduction. The Protection Connection is located in the Student Health Center. Hours vary by semester.

Women’s Center
The Women’s Center, located at 007E Strain Behavioral Science Building (BSB), is an on-campus resource center that exists to promote equality and respect for women. The Women’s Center serves students, staff, faculty, and community members by providing information, referrals, and programming on issues related to the empowerment of women. In addition, the Women’s Center offers women and men a safe, comfortable environment in which to study, talk, or to simply relax between classes. The Women’s Center also serves as the meeting place for various student organizations and support groups. It is the home of the Bridge Project, a grant funded program to address issues of violence against women on campus.