Explore the Many Medical Services Available to SOU Students
The medical staff at SHWC can provide an array of services ranging from confidential and non-judgmental STI testing to additional screenings and providing annual exams. Check out each service topic below for more information.
For additional questions regarding the different screenings, talk to your SHWC medical provider about what screening tests are recommended for your health.
Acute Care and Injuries
Same day care is available for students with urgent medical needs during regular hours. A staff member will evaluate your medical complaint or injury when you call or come in. Acute conditions and injuries will be seen in order of urgency. If the problem is not urgent, you may be asked to return for an appointment. We know your time is valuable, and we will make every effort to serve your needs in a timely manner.
Birth Control and Safe Sex Supplies
The Student Health and Wellness Center provides comprehensive birth control services to students. Whether you are seeking information about birth control or you need help selecting a method that is suitable to your health, lifestyle and relationship, one of our practitioners can help you make the decision that is right for you. Most methods of birth control are available. Emergency contraceptive (also known as the Morning After Pill) is also available. This is a hormonal method to prevent pregnancy if used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. For many students these services can be accessed free of charge. See below for more information.
We offer a nice variety of safe sex supplies in our “over the counter” drug store. These items include condoms, lubricants, foams, female condoms, spermicides, dental dams and vaginal contraceptive film. If the student is uncomfortable purchasing these items, we have forms to fill out and a staff member will fill the items in the back, place them in a bag and hand them discretely to the student.
Contraception Care (C Care)
SHWC is proud to participate in a publicly funded program called Oregon Contraceptive Care (CCare) that offers FREE contraceptive supplies and related preventive exams and medical visits for those eligible. Most SOU students who request this program qualify and receive this care at no cost. Hundreds of SOU students enjoy this free and easy program! You must have a valid Social Security Number to participate.
Separating contraceptive services and annual exams from SHWC’s list of services covered by the health fee allows SOU students who are eligible to enroll in the free CCare program; however, it changes the billing structure for students who request contraceptive services and are not eligible for the program.
CCare Clients: contraceptive care services, including annual exams are free of charge. If you have private insurance it will be billed first before CCare is billed. You will never personally be charged a fee, a co-pay, or a deductible for any contraceptive services or supplies.
Non-CCare Clients: if you have private insurance, and you have no objection, your private insurance will be billed for contraceptive services and supplies and annual exams. If you do not have private insurance, if you do not want services or supplies billed to insurance, or if you have a deductible which makes you responsible for direct payment, charges will be placed on your SOU student account.
Sexually transmitted disease testing at non-CCare visits will be charged to the student account.
Chronic Disease Management
Nurse practitioners and general physicians are available for the assessment, monitoring, and treatment of ongoing or chronic conditions–to the extent to which the clinicians are trained, and as long as it remains in the best interest of the students. More complex conditions may require the consultation of, or the referral to, an off-campus specialist. Off campus treatment and evaluation is the financial responsibility of the student. Coordinated care with the outside clinicians can help keep expenses to a minimum.
College Drinking Prevention
High Risk Drinking in College: What we Know and What We Need to Learn
Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Intervention Services on Campus
- Counseling: Students engaged in using alcohol and drugs may benefit from exploring personal dynamics in their life. Identifying stress sources and response patterns can provide insight into coping mechanisms that are supportive verses those that present threats to health, safety and academic success.
- Drug and alcohol assessments
- Drug and alcohol counseling
- Referral for appropriate level of intervention needed
- Medical evaluation for health implications due to substance abuse and dependence
- Recovery Support: CORE sou.edu/core
- Meeting schedules available at SHWC
Immunizations
Immunizations are available to the Student Health and Wellness Center for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, COVID booster, and influenza.
Laboratory Services
The lab at the Student Health and Wellness Center is licensed by the federal government as a moderate complexity lab. For most common medical problems, we perform rapid tests, which enable clinicians to use the results right at the time of the patient visit. For less frequently required or more complex tests, samples are sent to reference labs at least daily. The time when results will be available depends upon the tests ordered. Contracts with the reference labs reduce the costs of testing, and enable us to charge less than standard fees. Except in unusual circumstances, charges are put on the student account, and the students with insurance submit the claim themselves.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
The staff at the Student Health and Wellness Center are gender-affirming and can provide comprehensive gender-affirming medical care for gender non-conforming, transgender, non-binary, gender-questioning students at SOU. Additionally, the staff provide nonjudgmental care and are sensitive to the health issues and concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex and gender-questioning individuals. We welcome you to use our services and encourage you to openly discuss your concerns. Furthermore, our counseling team can provide additional gender-affirming care for SOU students.
Men’s Health
Sexual health problems of men may include concerns about sexuality, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections and prostate conditions.Testicular cancer occurs most commonly in young men, so regular exams and early detection is critical.
Minor Surgical Procedures
Clinicians are available to repair lacerations, remove or biopsy skin lesions, treat ingrown toenails, as well as to perform other minor outpatient surgical procedures. Usually an initial brief visit is used to discuss options, which is followed by a later appointment for the procedure itself. Referrals are made to outside practitioners for more complex problems.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Many nonprescription medications and supplies are available to students without an appointment. These include common pain relievers, vitamins, bandages, thermometers, vaginal preparations, cold remedies, etc. Charges are referred to the students’ SOU accounts.
Physical Exams
Physical exams are available for travel, employment, school transfer, athletic participation, or for personal reasons.
Prescription Medications
Many commonly used prescription medications are stocked at the Student Health & Wellness Center for students. Costs for medications are usually lower than retail, and special order medications are available. Only prescriptions written by SHWC professionals can be filled within the SHWC. Charges are added to the students’ SOU accounts.
STI Screening and HIV Testing
Counseling and screening for sexually transmitted infections are available through a combination of examination and laboratory testing. Treatment for STI’s is available for students and their partners. Confidential screening for HIV is available by appointment for a nominal fee. Feel free to schedule an appointment to discuss the risks and exposure routes of HIV to help you decide if testing is right for you.
- Options to self-test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are available to determine own level of risk
- Screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in women is suggested up to age 24 and in older women @ higher risk
- Screening for Syphilis is recommended for persons who are determined to be at higher risk (dependent on prevalence and other factors)
- HIV screening is recommended for ages 15-65 once, if at higher risk it is encouraged to repeat screening as often as every 3 months
- Prep: Pre & Post Exposure Prophylaxis consultation to reduce your chance of getting HIV.
Sports Medicine
We provide services for students with musculoskeletal problems or those who sustain physical injuries. Referrals can be made to the training room in the physical education department for treatments when necessary.
Travel Consultations
Travel consultations are available for students traveling abroad.
Women’s Health
Annual exams are available at the SHWC. This exam includes an assessment of general health as well as sexual health. The exam includes a thorough breast exam, pelvic exam and Pap smear if you are age 21 or older. If pap smear results are normal women are encouraged to get them done every 3 years. Pregnancy testing and counseling is available. When an unplanned pregnancy occurs, all options are discussed with the student. The Student Health and Wellness Center does not perform abortion or adoption services, but referrals for these services are routinely made. Obstetrical care is not provided, though students may continue to take advantage of all available services unrelated to the pregnancy. Students will be referred to local practitioners for pre-natal care. For information on free services, see CCare.