by Cristina Galvan
A variety of services are available to Elans in the Student Health Center.
The $11 health fee gives students access to the Health Center and its services.
In order to get services, students must bring their current ID with the semester sticker, or their registration form that shows that they paid for their health fee.
Some of the services available are first aid, TB skin test, physicals, and STD testing.
Most services are free. For a small charge students can also get laboratory tests, HIV screenings, and pap smears.
Students can also get one-on-one, emotional/ behavioral counseling with a therapist.
There are also stress counseling, depression, anxiety, self esteem, eating disorders, domestic violence and suicide prevention services available.
Students can also join confidential support groups that deal with anger management and drug addiction.
A Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual support group will start soon.
Screenings such as blood pressure, and college health are offered, as well as breast and testicular exams.
Services not provided are emergency care, dental services, eye exams, x-rays, and diagnostic test.
In order to see a practitioner, students should make an appointment, but walk-ins are also welcomed.
“(Students) have to make appointments for physicals and STD testing,” Alma Hernandez said, health center medical assistant.
Blood work tests do require an appointment.
Hernandez said that it is important that students visit the center because some students can be sick and should be aware of it.
Hernandez added that the center has recently been treating students with high blood pressure who weren’t unaware that they had it.
She said that it is also important that students visit the center to check their health.
“One of the most rewarding things about the center is that you make students feel better,” Hernandez said.
The center does treat minor emergencies such as falls.
The most common are falls from skateboards and bicycles.
Elan Shaileen Martinez has visited the center before.
“I liked it, it was kind of hidden, I like that we have that service available,” Martinez said.
Martinez said that she also likes the center because, “you could schedule an appointment between classes… it works out better.”
Erika Mendez has never been to the center, but she said, “I know people that go and like it because it is in and out.”
The student health center is located next to ASU in the G8 building, room 111.
Hours of operations are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays.
The health center’s phone number is (323) 265-8651.