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Danger Ahead! Proceed with Caution! One of our programs is functioning under duress. Symptoms include bleeding financially, retardation of growth, loss of parts, and getting weaker by the moment. It is possible that without intervention, our Student Health Services soon could go out of business.
Student Health Services is one of those programs that goes quietly about its business without too many people on campus (faculty, staff and students included) really knowing what it does - until, that is, someone desperately needs its support. Think about it. Who among us, as college staff, has not referred students to the center at some time or another? This is one of those services that is not needed everyday. However, when needed, it is critical.
We know that health and medical issues rank very high among the reasons that students drop out of school and that they experience difficulty succeeding in their classes. We also know that more and more of our students do not have access to affordable health care and are living without insurance benefits.
During these college years, many students are engaged in risky behaviors and need the reinforcement that solid education and prevention programs provide. Most student health centers regularly host programs on smoking cessation, weight control, sexually transmitted diseases, drugs and alcohol, depression, and stress. They provide key support for Crisis Intervention and Disaster Relief & Preparedness. And should there be a breakout of Tuberculosis or any other major infectious disease on campus - they jump in immediately working with the local health departments to minimize exposure and provide resources. Many centers host psychological services that include individual and group counseling for students. Of course, all of the services outlined above are in addition to the core medical and first aid care provided by all.
This service is affordable to students. It costs no more than $13 per semester (less during summer). This is cheaper than parking permits, costs less than even one book, and is the equivalent of two tickets at the local movie theater. If the same student users did not have these services, one visit to a doctor's office or to a local emergency center would cost them four times as much - at a minimum! Additionally, the medications that students now get at a discount through the centers (prescribed by doctors) would make their medical costs escalate dramatically if purchased outside the center.
For years the system (California Community Colleges) has been struggling with the funding for this valuable service. Most of the Student Health Centers receive all of their financial resources through a Student Health Fee. Often, there is only a minimal financial contribution from the college. Considering that students eligible for a BOGG waiver do not have to pay the fee, and that the number of eligible BOGG students is increasing DRAMATICALLY, the centers have seen their resources decline in a huge and unmanageable amount. The only option they have is to cut services, hours of operation, and support. And that does not benefit students!
New legislation, AB982, is being proposed to un-bundle the Student Health Fee from the BOGG waivers. This means that the poorest of the poor students will have to pay the health fee. However, what happens to the poorest of the poor student when there are no health services available. How much will it cost them to get these services outside of the college? And, what happens to their academic pursuits in the meantime?
The theme of this issue of the iJournal is Preserving the Legacy of Student Health Services. There are numerous articles designed not only to highlight the funding issue but also to provide some examples of innovative programs currently taking place within the college centers. This is a serious issue and, to that end, I encourage you to discuss your recommendations with your local legislators as soon as possible. Our students will thank you.
Also included in this issue are some reviews of significant research being done within the system. The RP Group is intent on supporting college decision making processes by providing solid reviews of best practices and studies. Be sure to share these articles with your campus leaders. There is much to learn from them.
Lastly, you don't want to miss the article related to the role of student services in a learning college. We've heard a lot lately about Learning Colleges, Learning Communities and Student Learning Outcomes. This article addresses their relationships and the value of involvement by student services staff.
If you would like to submit an article for the upcoming issues of the iJournal, please be sure to contact me. Additionally, if you have recommendations or suggestions for improvement, we welcome your feedback. This is the last issue for this academic year. We'll see you again in the fall.
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