Navigating Health and Wellness at ECU: A Comprehensive Guide to Student Health Services

East Carolina University (ECU) prioritizes the health and well-being of its students. ECU Student Health Services (SHS) stands as a cornerstone of this commitment, offering a wide array of medical and wellness resources tailored to the unique needs of the student population. This article provides a detailed overview of the services, policies, and essential information every ECU student should know to navigate their healthcare needs effectively.

Comprehensive Healthcare Services at ECU Student Health Services

ECU Student Health Services (SHS) is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare to enrolled students through a team of dedicated professionals. Conveniently located on campus, SHS simplifies access to necessary medical care without the need to leave the university grounds.

SHS provides a wide range of healthcare services, making it easy to get the care you need without having to leave campus. From managing chronic conditions like asthma to addressing acute illnesses such as the flu or colds, SHS is equipped to provide students with top-notch care. Additionally, lab work, X-rays, and pharmacy services are available on-site, ensuring you can access comprehensive healthcare all in one place.

Range of Services Offered

Medical Care: SHS addresses both chronic conditions like asthma and acute illnesses such as colds and the flu.
On-Site Services: The availability of lab work, X-rays, and a pharmacy on-site ensures students can access comprehensive healthcare in one location.

Accessing Care: Appointments and After-Hours Support

Scheduling Appointments

Scheduling an appointment at SHS is easy through ECU’s online health portal MyChart, or you can call the clinic directly. Walk-in appointments are also available for urgent needs, but it’s recommended to schedule in advance for routine visits.

After-Hours Medical Advice

When SHS is closed, your student still has access to medical advice. Call 911 for emergencies, but if they just want to talk to a nurse about an issue, call (252) 328-6841 for instructions to use our free, 24 hour nurse line.

Read also: Comprehensive Health Overview

Essential Health Information for Students

Immunization Requirements and Recommendations

NC law requires all incoming students to provide immunization records. If not received by August 6 for Fall, a $100 Immunization Administrative Fee will be applied to the student’s cashier account. If requirements are not met, students will be administratively withdrawn from courses. Communicable diseases such as influenza spread quickly on college campuses and vaccination is the best way students can protect themselves. Encourage your student to get an annual flu shot. The meningitis vaccines, while not required for enrollment, are strongly advised particularly for freshmen and students living in residence halls. Meningitis can be life altering or even fatal; although rare, cases can spread quickly, and the results can be devastating.

Health Insurance Information

Health Insurance is a requirement for students meeting specific eligibility criteria. An affordable Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is offer through Student Blue from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, or students may elect to keep their current health insurance coverage if they are already covered. The deadline to either enroll in or waiver out of SHIP is September 10. Many do not know their insurance carrier or any basic information about how to use their policy.

Consent for Treatment (Under 18)

Students who will be under 18 years of age when they arrive on campus need to have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian to receive treatment at ECU Student Health Services. To sign the consent form, download and print the Parental Consent for Treatment Form.

Maintaining Health and Preventing Illness

Good Hygiene Practices

Encourage students to practice good hygiene practices to help control germs and keep themselves healthy. College environments can provide for easy transmission of many viral, bacterial, and other communicable diseases such as colds, staph infections (MRSA), noroviruses(e.g.

Over-the-Counter Supplies

Student Health offers a variety of over the counter items for purchase, and we strongly recommend that students keep some basic health care supplies on hand.

Understanding Patient Privacy: HIPAA and Confidentiality

Student Health Services (SHS) respects and preserves the privacy and confidentiality of all patient information. We are committed to protecting our patients’ privacy and maintaining our organization’s security of information. At SHS, we continue to comply with state and federal regulations. HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act which protects patient rights regarding personal health information. Medical records are completely confidential. In most situations, unless a student provides permission, we cannot disclose any health information to anyone, including parents, friends, or professors. Although parents and families often feel it's unfair, we are unable to discuss information relating to a student's health care--including appointments, billing, provider visits, lab test results, etc. On occasion, SHS receives telephone calls from parents about their students’ medical care. Our health care providers are unable to disclose or discuss any medical information without the student’s verbal or written permission.

ECU Health Academic Loan Scholarship Program

Greenville, NC - ECU Health is excited to announce the Academic Loan Scholarship Program, a new workforce investment designed to support students pursuing high need health sciences degrees across eastern North Carolina. “Eastern North Carolina depends on a strong, well trained health care workforce, and this program is an important investment in that future,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “By reducing financial barriers for students and creating clear pathways into our system, we’re able to recruit and retain the talent our communities rely on. Created to address the need for allied health and nursing roles, the Academic Loan Scholarship represents a significant commitment to expanding access to education while meeting the health care needs of rural and underserved communities. A total of $165,000 has been allocated for the program, allowing for 33 scholarships of $5,000 each. Eligible students must be enrolled in or accepted into one of several high need programs at regional community colleges, including nursing (ADN), respiratory therapy, surgical technology, medical laboratory technology, radiography, sonography, cardiovascular sonography, CT, MRI, diagnostic technology, OTA and PTA. “At ECU Health, we believe that supporting the next generation of caregivers is essential to building a healthier eastern North Carolina,” said Josh Crocker, vice president, HR Centers of Excellence, ECU Health. “Our Academic Loan Scholarship Program is designed to ease the financial burden for students in high demand health disciplines while creating clear pathways into vital clinical roles across our region. Applications close May 22, 2026.

Key Contact Information

General Information, Appointments, Immunizations, & Medical Records: (252) 328-6841Pharmacy: (252) 328-6793

Please note, the above numbers are answered by SHS personnel during regular business hours.

Pre-Arrival Preparation: Health History Form

Tells us about health history, family history, medications, allergies, and more. It is important to fill out this form prior to arriving on campus. Students should keep a list of their current medications as well as any known allergies.

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