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SOUTHWEST TEXAS JUNIOR COLLEGE HEALTH SERVICES
WELCOME TO HEALTH SERVICES:
THE HEALTH CENTER WELCOMES ALL STUDENTS TO OUR CAMPUS. OUR GOAL IS TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY AND ASSIST YOU . WE ARE HERE TO PROVIDE MEDICAL CARE AND SUPPORT. STUDENTS PAY A $13.00 HEALTH FEE AT REGISTRATION AND THIS TAKES CARE OF THE SERVICES OFFERED AT THE CENTER.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDES FIRST AID CARE FOR MOST COMMON ILLNESS FOUND ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS. IN CASE OF SEVERE OR CHRONIC ILLNESS OR A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, THE STUDENT WILL BE REFERRED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL, LOCAL CLINIC OR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN. WHEN A STUDENT IS TRANSFERRED OR REFERRED OFF-CAMPUS TO A PHYSICIAN OR CLINIC, THE STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXPENSES INCURED. IF THE SERVICES OF AN AMBULANCE IS NEEDED ONE WILL BE CALLED AT THE STUDENTS EXPENSE.
WHO IS THERE:
A REGISTERED NURSE IS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST THE STUDENTS DURING THE DAY. STUDENTS WILL BE ASSESSED AND IF NEEDED WILL BE REFERRED.
UNFORTUNATLY, A PHYSICIAN IS NOT AVAILABLE.
LOCATION:
THE HEALTH CENTER IS LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE CAMPUS AT THE LA FORGE BUILDING OR GYM. WE ARE ON THE BACK-SIDE OF THE GYM.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MONDAY -THURSDAY: 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.
FRIDAY: 8:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
THE CLINIC IS CLOSED ON THE WEEKEND AND BETWEEN SEMESTERS.
IT IS ALSO CLOSED DURING THE SUMMER SESSIONS.
THE RESIDENT ASSISTANTS ARE AVAILABLE DURING THE WEEKEND FOR DORM STUDENTS IF NEEDED.
HEALTH CENTER PHONE NO.
(830) 591-7204 OR 591-7221
EMERGENCY NO.
CAMPUS POLICE (830) 591-7331
OR 9 - 1 –1
COLLEGE OPERATOR NO.
SHE WILL KNOW WHERE TO LOCATE THE NURSE IF NOT IN THE OFFICE.
(830) 278-4401 # 0
EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS CARE:
IF A STUDENT ENCOUNTERS AN EMERGENCY HEALTH PROBLEM ON CAMPUS WHEN NURSING STAFF IS NOT AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS, THE STUDENT SHOULD CONTACT THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE APPROPRIATE DORMITORY UNIT OR THE CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER ON DUTY.
STUDENTS CAN GO TO THE UVALDE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.
A PHYSICIAN IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS PER DAY.
SELF- CARE TREATMENT ROOM:
A SELF-TREATMENT ROOM IS AVAILABLE WITH OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDS FOR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT WISH TO SEE THE NURSE. THE SELF-CARE TREATMENT ROOM IS PROVIDED TO TEACH THE STUDENT TO DO SELF-CARE FOR MINOR ILLNESS. INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE MEDICATIONS.
WHAT IT IS NOT:
THE CLINIC HAS NO FACILITIES AT PRESENT FOR IN-PATIENT STAY. SEVERAL BEDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SHORT TERM OBSERVATION DURING THE DAY. SERIOUSLY ILL PATIENTS ARE SENT TO THE HOSPITAL OR HOME.
DENTAL /EYE EXAMINATIONS ARE REFERRED TO LOCAL SPECIALISTS IN TOWN.
INSURANCE:
THE COLLEGE OFFERS A “STUDENT ACCIDENT & SICKNESS INSURANCE PLAN”, WHICH WE RECOMMEND THAT ALL STUDENTS OBTAIN FOR A MINIMAL FEE. BROCHURES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS AT THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE .
CONSULTATIONS:
CONSULTATIONS ARE MADE WITH A PHYSICIAN OR CLINIC IF A STUDENT BECOMES ILL. STUDENTS ARE ASSISTED WITH APPOINTMENTS.
ALLERGY INJECTIONS:
STUDENTS WILL BE REFERRED TO A LOCAL PHYSICAN FOR INJECTIONS. A PHYSICIAN IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE CLINIC.
RESOURCE:
THE CLINIC STAFF IS AVAILABLE AS A RESOURCE FOR ALL CAMPUS DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS.
PROF. PROOF:
THE CLINIC AS A GENERAL RULE DOES NOT ISSUE ROUTINE EXCUSES FOR MISSED CLASSES. IF A STUDENT NEEDS AN EXCUSE ONE WILL BE ISSUED BUT IT IS UP TO THE PROFESSOR TO ACCEPT IT. WITH THE STUDENTS PERMISSION, A FACULTY MEMBER MAY CONTACT HEALTH SERVICES, FOR CONFIRMATION THAT THE STUDENT WAS SEEN IN THE HEALTH CENTER ON A PARTICULAR DATE.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
AL INFORMATION IN THE HEALTH CENTER IS TREATED AS CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE RELEASED WITHOUT THE STUDENT’S PERMISSION.
IT’S YOURS:
IT IS YOUR HEALTH CLINIC, ADMINSTERED BY A HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF FACULTY, ADMINSTRATION AND CLINIC PERSONNEL.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO FIND OUT WHAT THE CLINIC IS, WHERE IT’S AT AND HOW IT CAN HELP YOU. WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU.
NURSE:
THE NURSE WILL CARE FOR ALL STUDENTS WITH MINOR ILLNESS AND INJURIES ON A WALK-IN BASIS. THERE IS NO NEED FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO BE SEEN BY THE NURSE.
STUDENTS WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS WILL BE EVALUTATED AND REFERRED.
DORM VISITS WILL BE MADE BY THE NURSE IF THE STUDENT IS NOT ABLE TO COME TO THE CLINIC.
OBSERVATION:
OBSERVATION SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SHORT-TERM CARE DURING THE REGULAR HOURS FOR STUDENTS ON A LIMITED BASIS.
HOSPITALIZATION:
THE HEALTH SERVICES DOES NOT HAVE IN-PATIENT FACILTY. STUDENTS WILL BE REFERRED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL OF THEIR CHOICE OR MAY RETURN HOME IF APPROPRIATE. ALL HOSPITAL AND PHYSICIAN CHARGES WILL BE BILLED TO THE STUDENT.
SPECIAL NEEDS:
STUDENTS WHO HAVE AN ILLNESS AND ARE TAKING MEDICATION AND WILL BE LIVING IN THE DORM ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING ENOUGH UNTIL THE NEXT VISIT TO THEIR PHYSICIAN.
WE ALSO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS WHO HAVE A SPECIAL NEED TO COME BY THE HEALTH CENTER. LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR STAY MORE COMFORTABLE. |
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
This information is being provided to all new college students in the state of Texas. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast -- so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacterium that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
· High fever
· Light sensitivity
· Vomiting
· Seizures
· Rash or purple patches on skin
· Confusion and sleepiness
· Stiff neck
· Severe headache
· Lethargy
· Nausea
There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk , so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.
HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS DIAGNOSED?
· Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.
· Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
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HOW IS THE DISEASE TRANSMITTED?
· The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.
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HOW DO YOU INCREASE YOUR RISK OF GETTING BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?
· Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
· Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).
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WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISEASE?
· Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
· Permanent brain damage
· Kidney failure
· Learning disability
· Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
· Hearing loss, blindness
· Gangrene
· Coma
· Convulsions
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CAN THE DISEASE BE TREATED?
· Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.
· Vaccinations are available and should be considered for those living in close quarters, College students 25 years old or younger.
· Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
· Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.
· The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.
· Vaccination is very safe -- most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.
· Vaccination is available at San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (210) 207-8790 or Personal Physician, Our Health Centro de Salud @ 278-7105 in Uvalde, Texas.
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HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?
· Contact your own health care provider.
· Contact your Health Services at 830-591-7204 or 591-7221.
· Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health office at (830)-278-7173.
· Contact web sites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention American College Health Association |
