Ann Conley may see only 20 students a day, but as a nurse practitioner and director at University Health Services, Conley may be one of the most important people students could encounter at the University of Southern Maine.
“Health Services is a bridge between the school nurse and the traditional health care office.” Conley said. “We spend a lot of time with students helping to diagnose and explain their current situation.”
The University Health Services clinic is a student’s safe haven from flu bugs and germs flying around and inhabiting our campus. No matter what you do, precautions you take, or vitamin pills that you pop, nothing can deter the USM virus from making its way into your immune system.
With five certified nurse practitioners, one doctor and a new licensed psychologist, Health Services can diagnose and treat acute health problems, chronic diseases, order diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications in an effort to prevent serious medical emergencies from occurring.
Health Services has two locations, one on the first floor of Upton Hastings in Gorham and one in the trailer located between Portland’s Sullivan Sports Complex and the Woodbury Campus Center.
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Tuesday 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. students may seek refuge, by calling to make an appointment in the welcoming atmosphere of flu-killing specialists. Whether you are suffering from allergies or influenza, Health Services can help you.
“We want to help students access health care for themselves.” Conley said.
And what can be better than something that is free? Those students who are enrolled at USM with six credits or more can see any of the nurses at the clinic free of charge since Health Services is paid for by students’ $40 health fee. What does this fee get you? Unlimited office visits at both the Portland and Gorham Health Services, 12 visits per academic year at University Counseling Services, a travel clinic, and reduced cost of annual OB/GYN and physical exams. The University Counseling services are also available to students who may feel anxiety, depression or just want to talk to someone. Christine Bertini, Health Services’ newest certified psychologist, is available by appointment. Counseling services cannot disclose information unless they feel that the student may be harmful to themselves or others. Along with these services, the clinic also offers services in men’s health, birth control, emergency contraception, STD testing, anonymous HIV testing, LGBTQI health, state required immunizations, lab services, flu shots, Hepatitis A&B immunizations, Meningitis immunizations, nutrition counseling, and health education. Some of these services will come at a minimal cost.
Conley also added that students could bring other students with them to their office visits, or have Health Services call their parents, as long as they are willing to sign a confidentiality release.
Although the clinic is not open on weekends, it has an after-hours health advice hotline. If you become ill over the weekend, you can talk with a professional nurse and discuss your issue. If your issue is serious enough to need immediate attention, the hotline nurse will ask you to get to the nearest hospital, usually Brighton FirstCare or Maine Medical Center. If you are a student living on campus and don’t have a mode of transportation to the hospital, Health Services will ask if you can find a ride, either with a friend, your Resident Assistant or the Resident Director. Health Services will also call an ambulance if necessary.