While most people know you can go to the health center for a cold or other common illness, it offers far beyond what is assumed. Located on the second floor of Prothro, the health center is Southwestern’s students’ one-stop-shop for care. Now, what exactly does the health center offer? That’s a great question, and I’d love to tell you. 

Firstly, we have the basics. The health center does flu, strep, Covid, and mono tests, so if you’re feeling under the weather, you can get tested for the common illnesses that float around. Physical and well women exams are also offered. Whether this be for a study abroad requirement or a yearly physical exam, you have no reason not to get one at the health center. Seriously guys, take care of yourselves and get the exam. I know we’re all young, but might as well start now while most of us are still on our parent’s insurance. Medication wise, the health center can send prescriptions to a nearby pharmacy, as well as give over the counter drugs after being seen. Perhaps most importantly, the health center offers flu shots (lookout for another upcoming article on that). I know that no one wants to take time out of their schedule to get a shot, but trust me, you will be grateful you did during finals when all of your friends are sick and taking bio exams. Don’t ask me how I know. 

Onto the topic that some of you may find awkward, but it is incredibly important that you know about it..  We’re talking about tools for safe sex. The health center has everything you need for this. You can get condoms and lube without even having to talk to someone; they’re always stocked in a bowl in the lobby. Now, if you do the hard thing and talk to someone at the desk, you can get even more things! For free! Latex-free condoms, dental dams, pamphlets among pamphlets, because we all know you’re not getting the best sex advice from your friends. Now, this is something that not a lot of people know about, but I am granting you this knowledge to have throughout your time here. You can get STI and pregnancy testing done at the health center. You can get over the counter birth control and Plan B at the health center. You can get UTI treatment at the health center. Are you catching onto the fact that you can get so many things at the health center? 

Perhaps my favorite part about the magic of the health center is that they offer counseling services. Do you want to know the best part about it? It is completely free!!! More than likely, you won’t have the opportunity to have free counseling in your future, so I highly encourage you to take advantage of this now. They also have group therapy and support groups. For my lovely neurodivergent students, trans and gender nonconforming students, and students of color, there are support groups for you. In addition to individual counseling and support groups, there are also workshops and interpersonal process group counseling. Now, everyone don’t flock to my therapist, I need to see her every other week, this is mandatory.

Gone are the days where you have to find the nearest clinic and hope you’re not judged. No more are the days where you have to gather all of your information as you face your fears of going to the doctor alone. The fine people of the health center aren’t there to judge, or talk about you and promote mouthwestern. They are there to help you, to make sure you’re taken care of, especially in this weird transitional period of life. I urge you to check out their website as there is more information than I can cover in this article. You can also find information on the support groups, as well as finding a counselor that works for you. Again, just make sure to leave me an appointment time with my therapist, just saying. I’m very proud of you all, and I love giving you knowledge on how to take care of yourself. Go forth, stay healthy, and #besouthwestern!