When student athletes, coaches and trainers are faced with medical/health problems at Ventura College, whom do they call? Public Health Department? Family Physician? 911? Planned Parenthood? Ghostbusters? No, the Ventura College Student Health Center. With a full time Coordinator/Nurse Practitioner, two full-time Medical Assistants, a part-time Nurse Practitioner and Medical Assistant, a Family Practice Physician three hours a week and an Orthopedic Physician four hours a month, we answer the calls.
During the Fall 2004 semester, the Student Health Center (SHC) provided first-line care for 20 injured athletes. Injuries ranged from concussions to pulled muscles. This includes in-season sports such as football, water polo and cross-country and off-season sports such as baseball, tennis and basketball. Most of these athletes were treated in the VC SHC without need of outside resources.
Coaches and trainers frequently consult with the VC SHC Nurse Practitioners regarding treatment of acute injuries as well as a wide range of non-injury problems that the athletes face: illness, chronic medical problems, eating disorders, depression and women’s health issues. It is not uncommon for impromptu consultations to occur in the gymnasium or parking lot.
Ventura College Athletic Trainer Mark Chaney sites the following reasons for referring his athletes first to the SHC: shared philosophical approaches, prompt care with good continuity, the best feedback and communication for treatment protocols, convenience and better availability of appointments and “huge” cost containment.
How do the SHC services help to keep athletes healthy and playing? Some cases, such as the pertussis outbreak or an injury, are obvious. But many are subtle and multi-leveled problems. For instance, an 18 year old female athlete who had unprotected sex, who is living far away from home with roommates and has no car. She needs information and care that include: morning after pill, birth control options, sexually transmitted infection prevention, testing and treatment, under-age drinking issues, self-esteem and coping skills. Ventura College Student Health Center is a one-stop shopping for all of these services.
When an athlete was recently asked her feelings about the health center and why she uses their services, she replied, “You guys are nice to us, you always try to find out what is wrong. Some of us don’t have cars and can’t get to a hospital or somewhere, you’re right here! When we get hurt you all are the first one there.” The SHC is not present at athletic events, but we respond to injuries during practice or events that occur during the hours that we are open.
The American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment identified ten health impediments to academic performance, stress being the most frequent problem cited by students. Athletes experience increased physical and psychological stress, both acutely and chronically. Personal counseling with a counselor intern is available at no extra cost. In addition, medications for depression and anxiety are dispensed as indicated by the Physician/Nurse Practitioner at the SHC. During practice in February of 2004 the Ventura College Men’s Basketball team witnessed the collapse, emergency treatment and death of a beloved coach. The SHC not only administered initial treatment to the coach, but also arranged for crisis intervention for the team within thirty minutes of the incident. The goal of immediate crises intervention was to prevent post-traumatic stress from occurring to the students who witnessed this tragic event. Follow-up care was offered to students and staff.
All athletes undergo a pre-season screening physical exam. Approximately 5% of athletes are referred to the VC SHC for previously undiagnosed cardiac problems. We developed a relationship with a local cardiologist who offers discount fees for uninsured students. The athletes often receive an evaluation within 2-3 days and are cleared to participate in their sport within a week. This is one example of how the SHC serves as an interface between athletes and community resources.
Exercised induced asthma is a common problem for athletes. The VC SHC provides care for asthmatics in many ways: nebulizer treatments for acute attacks, monitoring with peak-flow meter or pulse oximetry, medication refills and prescribing new medication when needed.
What are the ways that the VC SHC helps to retain athletes? We provide immediate care for acute health problems and ongoing care and monitoring of chronic health problems. For students who are experiencing stress or mental health problems, we provide mental health care and referrals to community resources. We provide consultation for coaches and trainers who are working with injured, sick or stressed athletes. The VC SHC and the athletic department is a winning combination due to competence, flexibility, easy access, low cost, and an accommodating and caring attitude of the SHC staff.
The team approach is a good example of the role of student services as an integral part of the health and well-being of campus life. We look forward to continuing to meet the health care needs of all students.
