Student Handbook 2012-2013

Health Services provides most aspects of primary care for Denison students. Registered nurses are on duty 24 hours a day during fall and spring semesters. The outpatient department is open daily between 8:00am and 10:00pm. After-hours care is provided for urgent/emergency problems. A physician and a certified nurse practitioner are available for weekday clinic appointments and are on call for emergencies. Health Services is closed during University holidays.

Health Services offers routine diagnostic and treatment facilities including laboratory testing, minor surgery, laceration repair, administration of allergy injections and immunizations, follow-up care after surgery or serious illness, physical examinations, consultation and counseling for any medically-related problem. Physicians and the nurse practitioner dispense some prescription medications. Outside prescriptions can be filled at local pharmacies. Women's health issues, counseling and birth control are provided by appointment. Nursing consultation assists the student in choosing appropriate over-the-counter treatment for minor problems. Educational materials and programming regarding health issues can be provided upon request. All services are offered on a completely confidential basis.

The Health Services fee covers evaluations by physicians, nurse practitioner, or registered nurses, access to educational information, and consultation at Health Services. Charges for inpatient care, medications, laboratory tests and procedures, office surgery and medical supplies will be billed to the individual student. Many insurance plans will cover these charges. Surgery, reduction of fractures, dental care, consultation with specialists or services provided by other medical facilities are not covered by the Health Services fee. Unless other facilities are requested or necessary, students requiring emergency surgery or hospitalization are attended by one of the University physicians and/or staff physicians at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark, Ohio. Health Services offers information and referral service for conditions not treated by primary care physicians. Inquiries about Health Services may be directed to the Director of Health and Counseling Services or the Assistant Director of Health Services.

Information about a student health insurance plan is sent to the billing address of all students every summer. If the student decides not to purchase this insurance, a waiver form must be signed and returned to Student Accounts.

The staff of Counseling Services offers assistance to students as they confront the issues, decisions, and values which are part of university life. The counselors are available on a confidential basis to each student for individual, short-term counseling. Students typically discuss concerns related to personal, social, and academic issues. Some examples include: strengthening interpersonal relationships; dealing with loneliness, separation or loss; coping with tension and stress; substance abuse; improving academic performance; awareness of sexuality; exploring dysfunctional family concerns and developing a healthy body image. Staff members are also available to consult with students who are concerned about the well-being of others - friends, roommates, suite mates and family members.

Programming is offered by the staff in the form of ongoing groups, program series and one-time workshops. They are available on a variety of topics including assertion training, communication skills, eating disorders, human sexuality, racism, self-esteem, sex-role stereotyping, stress management and victimization.

Students are encouraged to request programming for their organization or residence hall by calling or stopping by Health and Counseling Services in Whisler Hall.

Services are offered on a confidential basis, without charge, and are provided by licensed psychologists, counselors and supervised professional staff.

For more information, go to Health and Counseling Services.