When you’re sick, the last place you want to be is in a germ-infested residence hall. People flee from your coughing and sniffling because they know that if they stay around you too long, they too will be infected. You end up isolated, in a sick stupor, too weak to carry on.
There is a place where students at San Diego State can go to receive health care in order to avoid situations such as these: Student Health Services at Calpulli Center. Not only does the health center provide excellent treatment to those who need it, but also is available to all SDSU students because we pay for it in our fees.
My own personal experiences with the health center have been nothing but excellent. A few weeks ago, I came down with a miserable virus. After I received treatment at Urgent Care, I was better within a few days. The doctor answered my questions and gave me a prescription that accelerated my recovery. Because I live on campus, the nurse allowed me to sleep in a patient room in order to be in a cleaner environment and monitor my condition. Later that day, the registered nurse on duty e-mailed me asking how I was, recommending a visit later that week if I didn’t fully recover by then. Because of the health center’s caring staff, I will not hesitate to return to the Calpulli Center if I feel sick again.
Many people complain that the health center has too long of a waiting period for appointments, and the center itself admits that on its Web site, “Wait times can vary from one to three hours.” Because so many students want free treatment, there will be times when it is crowded. However, if you get to the center when it opens, this problem can be avoided and you will have a greater likelihood of getting a timely appointment.
Other benefits from the health center are free counseling, free health seminars and discounted immunizations. Each of these programs has been established with students in mind and to provide opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle while attending SDSU. One program that is especially useful to SDSU students is Family Planning, Access, Care And Treatment Program, which provides free contraceptives to those who qualify.
The medical professionals at the health center offer great service and even with long wait times, students are guaranteed to be checked by someone who will provide the right treatment.
Considering health care at SDSU is available to all in a time when millions of Americans do not even have health insurance, we are lucky to be included in this program. Next time you wait in line, just remember that there are people who do not have the luxury of seeing a doctor at all.
8212;This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.
