Students at the University of Idaho have a wide variety of health-related resources available to them. But, sometimes students aren’t clear on how or where to access these services.
Three important health-related resources to know about on campus include the Student Health Clinic, Vandal Health Education and the Counseling and Testing Center. While they are all health-related, they serve different functions on campus.
The Student Health Clinic is a full-service medical clinic with services provided by Moscow Family Medicine located in the Student Health Center (Ash Street entrance). Students can access a variety of primary care and preventive services including, but not limited to check-ups, vaccinations, physical exams, STD testing, X-rays, birth control prescriptions and more.
If a student needs to go to the Student Health Clinic they can make an appointment or walk in. They just need to bring their student ID and insurance card. Conveniently, the Student Health Clinic takes most insurances, except Washington Medicaid. The staff for this clinic is warm, welcoming and always eager to help. If students feel sick or just want a checkup, this is a great place to go.
Sometimes confused with the Student Health Clinic is the Vandal Health Education. We are located in the same building as the Student Health Clinic, but the services we provide are very different. Vandal Health Education provides health education, training opportunities, information about resources and nutrition counseling to UI students. Check out our complete schedule online, but regular signature events include bi-weekly Health Huts located in the Commons, Vandalizing the Kitchen cooking classes and Wellbeing Wednesday workshops.
At Health Huts, peer educators, like myself, promote health and wellness concepts and resources through activities that are fun, quick and stress-free. Our first one was the first day of the semester, where we welcomed students back and handed out our new calendar with all the events for the semester.
Another fun event put on by the campus dietitian is our monthly cooking class, Vandalizing the Kitchen. This free class is held once a month in a Student Rec Center classroom, where students learn how to make three budget friendly recipes.
Wellbeing Wednesday is Vandal Health Education’s stress management workshop series held monthly in the Commons. This event focuses on how students can stay mentally well, despite common stressors college students may face, including balancing various commitments, finding a job, thinking about finances and more. Students who attend a Wellbeing Wednesday workshop will be entered into a $50 VandalStore gift card given away at the end of the semester.
We can also do informative workshops upon request. Visit www.uidaho.edu/VandalHealth or stop by our Resource Rooms in the Student Health Center (University Ave. entrance) or the Student Rec Center for more information about these events, other events or to request a workshop. Vandal Health Education is a great way to learn about different aspects of health.
Finally, the Counseling and Testing Center offers a variety of beneficial services as well. Free and confidential counseling is available for students to talk about a wide range of topics. Appointments are free for students and they can go as much as needed. The Counseling and Testing Center’s number, 208-885-6716, also serves as a 24-hour crisis line.
At the University of Idaho we have many great resources for other student needs. However, these three are very beneficial for overall health and wellness, and can easily be confused with one another. They each offer multiple services, but all have one common goal: to help and support UI students.
Sarah Graham can be reached at [email protected]