Many students are unaware of the resources provided by their Student Health fee. An annoying headache could be satiated by a sample of aspirin. A potentially uncomfortable situation could be solved by a free pad or tampon. The Student Health Center offers solutions to these problems if students simply stop by and ask.

   This facility is located in Tucker Hall, sharing the same building with the Graduate School on the west side of campus, near Howard and Arnold Hall. Students often miss it because it faces the back edge of campus. The Student Health Center is only a short walk away from most students’ classes, and it provides several important and cost-effective services. 

   The Student Health Center offers annual appointments just like those provided at a local practice or family doctor. Athletes can also fulfill their physical examination requirements for intramural and university sports by scheduling an appointment. It also offers acute care if a student is worried about minor symptoms like a sore throat or slight temperature.

   The staff members have worked hard to provide free STD testing for several weeks every semester. The upcoming period will last from Sept. 16 through Oct. 18 by appointment. The West Central Georgia Health Department partners with the Student Health Clinic to provide free HIV testing once a month by appointment. The upcoming dates are Oct. 7 and Nov. 4. Flu shots are also offered for $25. This fee is the same price as the Student Health Center is charged, so they do not make a profit from it.

   The Student Health Center works to ensure students of all gender identities and sexualities are as comfortable as possible. Director Victoria Roebuck explained that the staff asks what gender the student identifies as and what name they want to be called. She added that the staff is actively learning through their interactions with non-binary and transgender students, trying “to encourage the student to help us treat them correctly.”

   The staff also ease discomfort through communication. For example, women’s health appointments can be a source of anxiety for students who have never received these services before. Staff members explain the whole process before actually doing anything. They want to respect students under their care and make sure they understand what is happening and remove any anxiety caused by lack of knowledge.

   Roebuck also emphasized how much the staff members care about CSU students. They assist students however they can, even if it does not technically fall under their responsibilities. She cited a time when Peggy, the receptionist, directed a student to the food pantry even though the Student Health Center does not manage that program on campus. Roebuck expressed how amazed she is by her coworkers, stating “It’s a very small staff that does an amazing amount of work… I’m pretty proud to be a part of this group.”

   This group of eight women care for about 8,500 students, so scheduling an appointment is essential to ensuring that each student receives the care they need. Appointments can be scheduled by talking to the receptionist in person or over the phone. Students may also visit the Piedmont Urgent Care on 13th Street as one of their four visits per semester. This may be particularly advantageous to RiverPark students, since it is much closer to their dorms. If using this option, students must sign their name and 909 number upon arrival at this location.

   For additional information, call the Student Health Center at (706) 507-8620 or visit them in person. WCUG Radio has also partnered with the Saber to air an episode discussing the health services available to students. This will be aired as a part of a pilot episode for the Saber Spot later in the semester.