Foggy future of the Student Health Center
A significant portion of the student senate meeting on Sept. 26 was spent discussing the potential closure of the Student Health Center and a shift in how WSU provides healthcare to its students.
The student senate welcomed Jeff Hurst, interim VP and dean of students, and Dianna Abel, executive director of counseling, health and wellness, to speak about the Student Health Center’s future and the future of student healthcare at WSU.
Hurst said the university is currently in the process of considering outside proposals for student healthcare. This is in lieu of the continued operation of the Student Health Center, which is currently funded entirely through student fees.
The primary reason behind the university’s consideration to outsource student healthcare is decreased visitation numbers at the Student Health Center, according to Hurst. He added that this is a chance for WSU to explore opportunities that could result in improved healthcare options for WSU students.
“It’s about providing students with the potential for greater options in medical care, a greater variety of providers, a greater variety of possible procedures that may be covered and the possibility of a greater number of locations available for students who live all across the valley,” Hurst said.
Hurst also said that, due to the competitive nature of the procurement process, he cannot speak to the specifics of what outside organizations or facilities are being considered in the outsourcing of student healthcare.
Many of the details surrounding WSU’s process in selecting candidates for the outsourcing of student healthcare remain unknown. This includes what additional medical services would be made available to students as a result of this change or how such a change would be reflected in student fees.
“We want whatever that comes out of this to be at least as good as what we have, if not better,” Hurst said.
At this time, student fees enable WSU students to visit the Student Health Center for medical care without paying a copay. In the event that specialty care is needed, the Student Health Center can refer that patient to a separate medical provider to better accommodate the patient’s situation.
Although Hurst said student healthcare services will remain intact throughout the decision-making process, the specific timeframe in which this decision will be made is currently unknown.
“Our expectation is that the earliest anything would change — if it does change — would be the end of spring semester in 2023,” Abel said.
Concerns were raised by the student senate about how the outsourcing of student healthcare would affect international students or students who do not have health insurance. One of the crucial benefits that the Student Health Center currently offers is its ability to serve uninsured students. The specifics right now of how uninsured students will be affected by such a change remain unclear.
“We don’t know because we don’t have that figured out yet,” Abel said. “But what we can say is that our proposal, all the things we are looking for absolutely include international students being taken care of in as close to as the same way as they’re being taken care of now as possible.”
Abel added that this level of consideration will be given to students who don’t have health insurance.
“That goes for any student with insurance, no insurance, or under-insured,” Abel said. “Our whole goal here is to be responsible stewards of your student fees.”
Monica • Nov 22, 2022 at 1:36 pm
Yesterday I was informed of a concerning issue about student services. The issue I am writing to you about is the potential closure of the student health center. A campus health center is vital for college students.
When I was a traditional student at USU, I relied heavily on the campus clinic. It provided me with a safe place where I knew the staff were well versed in health concerns for my age group. I could ask questions about birth control, and get help for psychological issues. I didn’t have any support system and felt comforted by the fact that I did have a resource that could directly address my issues.
The other concern I have about not having an on-campus health center, is the missed opportunity you have to provide protective services to your students. We know issues of sexual health and healthy relationships is a concern at all universities. The health center should be the hub for educating, and offering preventative services to students. They could also, be a resource for students who do unfortunately experience abuse. At the moment, the health center is the most hidden gem on-campus. I had tried to previously find anything about the health center. Being a resource I pay for, but because it is tucked away in a dark corner, and buried within your website I couldn’t utilize it for health concerns. If a student were to experience sexual trauma, they may try to reach out to the on-campus health center and be unable to find it. This could lead a student to not even report the crime, being that it is so hard to find and so discouraging.
The health center could be hosting health fairs on campus. This could allow students to know what they are paying for. What services they could have access to. Ensuring students will have opportunities to be healthy.
Also, being a campus that is known for its nursing program why are you not offering student opportunities to volunteer or intern for the health center. This would be a perfect way to expand your programs. You also have a fantastic sports program. Why are you not incorporating the health center into the athletics program? While at USU, the athletes had their own section within the clinic. I was served by students, my own community.
Lastly, you are doing a disservice to your students by limiting the health centers staff. The staff currently there did a phenomenal job. I was in quickly and helped by all three members. As a campus representative , you need to work together. They have helped countless individuals, and now they need help. The three members are working tirelessly to serve the students. This leaves them no time to fix the issues they have with visibility. Help them be seen, and known. Include it in your on-campus tour, this would give parents and students s as peace of mind. I have been on two separate on campus tours, one with a group and one with just the guides. There was no mention of the clinic nor did we even come close to the clinic. Help them create and maintain a social media account. Why not offer an internship for a social media manager and content creator so the physician and his staff can do their jobs and provide services to protect the students.
J Hafen • Oct 3, 2022 at 2:50 pm
If they do outsource, I hope they find a way to keep a healthcare site on campus. My daughter doesn’t have a car and lives on campus. The Student Health Center has been a lifesaver. I can’t imagine how much class she would miss if she had to leave campus on foot or using public transport to go to another location, have an appointment, and then return to campus. Having healthcare right on campus is an important service. The other two Utah universities our children have attended had on-campus health services. Weber state should continue to provide this as well.