Boston University Health Services: A Comprehensive Overview
Boston University (BU) is committed to supporting its students' health and wellness through a comprehensive suite of services offered by Student Health Services (SHS). This integrated health center provides a wide range of medical care, mental health services, and support programs designed to foster a campus culture of safety and wellbeing. SHS also plays a crucial role in student learning and formation, utilizing the strategic pillar of Health and Wellness as a foundation.
Accessing Health Services
Most BU students can utilize the services and programs offered by SHS. However, there are some eligibility distinctions:
- Part-time students: Part-time students who have a health insurance plan other than BU's can still attend mental health groups. However, they are not eligible for medical services.
- Online-only students: Students enrolled exclusively in online programs are not eligible for SHS's direct services. However, they can access peer support and connect with a mental health clinician through the online platform Togetherall.
Range of Services
SHS offers a broad spectrum of services to address the diverse health needs of BU students:
- Medical Care: SHS provides comprehensive medical care, addressing various health concerns.
- Mental Health Services: Recognizing the importance of mental wellbeing, SHS offers a range of mental health services.
- Support for Trauma Survivors: SHS provides specialized support for students who have experienced trauma.
- Community Outreach and Prevention Programs: SHS actively engages in community outreach, prevention, and health promotion programs to foster a campus environment that prioritizes safety and wellbeing.
Emergency Care
In the event of a medical emergency, students are transported by ambulance to a local hospital emergency department. SHS will follow up with the student and provide additional care as needed after the emergency.
Student Learning and Health Education
Health Services strives to facilitate student learning and formation, with the strategic pillar of Health and Wellness as a foundation.
Read also: Gridiron Showdown: Missouri vs. Boston College
Students seeking medical care at SHS receive education on several key aspects of their health:
- Right to Information: Students are educated about their right to information regarding issues surrounding their health, including recommended treatment plans and follow-up care. They are also informed about the benefits of scheduling appointments.
- Latent Tuberculosis (TB): Students identified as being at risk for developing latent TB receive counseling and education about positive PPD skin tests, symptoms of active TB, and how the illness could impact their personal wellbeing. They learn about the social and global impact of tuberculosis and the importance of treating latent TB, as well as the potential side effects of treatment medication.
- Appropriate Antibiotic Use: Students receive education on the appropriate use of antibiotics and why they are not effective against viral infections. They learn that the incorrect use of antibiotics can be harmful and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Students are taught that antibiotics will not alleviate symptoms or speed up recovery when dealing with a virus.
Initiatives and Programs
SHS actively collaborates with other departments and student groups to promote health and wellness on campus. Examples of such collaborations include:
- Healthcare Literacy 101: A collaboration between former classmates and Student Health Services.
- Expert Advice: BU experts, such as Matthew Lally and Sarah Voorhees, offer advice on how to protect yourself and others from illness.
- Student Support Groups: A Sargent student shared her journey, her struggles, and how she helped create a support group on campus, highlighting eating-disorder resources available to students.
Accessing Information and Resources
Students, faculty, and staff can access important information and resources related to SHS through various channels:
- Faculty/Staff Link: A BU login account is required to access functionality on the Faculty/Staff Link, which provides up-to-date student medical compliance statuses as needed and as required to the Office of the Registrar and the State of Massachusetts Health Services. Certain distributed administrative functions may require additional training from central administration or the department.
Read also: ACC Showdown: Virginia Tech Battles Boston College
Read also: History of the BU Bridge
tags: #boston #university #health #services #overview
