A previous version of this story contained factual errors. A student told the reporter he had broken a leg and was given an aspirin and told to “walk it off.” He also said he knew of someone who was treated for flesh-eating bacteria with antiseptic. The student later told the reporter he was joking.
“Do you have a Band-Aid?” I had cut myself and stopped into my campus’ Health Center.
“No, we don’t. Sorry.” As the lady behind the desk looked up at me and my blood, I waited for the punchline. When none came, I looked around for the sign that would assure me that I was in the right place.
This place was the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus Health Center (there is also a location on the Portland campus), which claims to be “dedicated to promoting, maintaining, and improving the health and well-being of the University of Southern Maine community.” This, of course, requires a fee, as most everything at the university, and “covers the cost of unlimited Health Services visits and 12 Counseling visits.”
For the $80 fee per semester, I would have hoped Band-Aids would be available. Yet the Center makes it very clear that this fee is simply a “user fee,” and does not include: “lab services, immunizations, medications, supplies, procedures…” Rest assured, sitting in the waiting room is still free of charge.
Last year, I certainly loaded up on this “freebie,” waiting in the room for 40 minutes after my scheduled appointment before my name was called. Once inside, the nurse examined my extremely swollen throat and told me that the strep test would cost extra. The common nasal spray and packets of ibuprofen, however, were free of charge.
Many students are surprised to realize that anything other than sitting on the papered bed causes bills above their Health fee. Many students are already insured and able to receive better care at larger facilities for co-pays that are less than these fees. When they are not insured, USM provides Student Health Insurance for $2,293 a year.
Overall, it seems that the center’s greatest asset is its proximity; with so many college students left without cars, the center remains the most accessible place for treatment. However, the center is only open 8 a.m. or later until 4:30 p.m. weekdays, timing that often conflicts with students’ class schedules. I found out the hard way, when going to speak with faculty of the Health Center, that the Gorham center also shuts its doors for a one hour lunch break, from noon to 1 p.m. weekdays.
When I was finally able to contact an employee of Heath Services, the answers I received sounded well rehearsed. She did, however, assured me that the entirety of our health fee stays within the department and that all employees are licensed nurse practitioners.
Kristine Bertini, director of Health Services, provided more in depth information. She explained that the fee “goes to pay for building, lights, medical equipment, staff, and the benefits of those positions.” When I voiced that over $1 million a year ought to provide more than this, she said the clinic is actually “almost $500,000 in arrears every year.” They thus focus on prevention, as with the new H1N1 vaccine, and increased the amount of time nurses spend with students.
When I suggested staggering the lunch break hour between Portland and Gorham campuses so as to ensure that one would always be open, Bertini was very receptive to the idea. She also informed me that a survey would be distributed to accumulate student feedback on ways to improve the center.
Students need to let their voices be heard, provide progressive ideas, and get something for their money. Being complacent will only continue the sub-par care, where we simply load up on $80 worth of free pain killers and try not to break anything.
Rachel Friedlander is a junior media studies major.