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Health Center Updates Health Screenings Workshops & Groups

SMU Health Center Weekly Events: Sept. 23-29

SMU Health Center events hosted during the week of Sept. 23, 2024

Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 10AM – 2PM located in room 219 on the 2nd floor of the SMU health center

The SMU Health Center partners with AHF to provide free STI testing for all SMU students on Wednesday, Sept. 25th from 10 AM – 2 PM. This will take place in room 219 on the 2nd floor of the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. Registering on SMU360 is highly encouraged, however walk-ins are welcome! Click here to sign up on SMU360.

How to receive test results: Students will receive their results through the Healthvana patient portal that they will register for at the time of testing. Results will appear in the Healthvana patient portal 3-5 business days after the test date.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 10AM – 3PM at the Flagpole

Help save a life by donating blood on Wednesday, Sept. 25th from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Flagpole. Donors will receive a free tailgate gift pack! Get ahead by selecting your time slot here. Walk-ins are welcome, however save time by registering in advance!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

 

MORE QUESTIONS? REACH OUT TO:

Adeel Allawala, Primary Blood Drive Coordinator
aallawala@smu.edu
(903) 908-3831

 

Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 12pm – 1pm located in room 120 on the 1st floor of hughes-trigg

Join this week’s New to SMU workshop session with SMU Counseling Services Director, Dr. Marsh-Bell to learn healthy communication and conflict resolution skills! Bring your lunch and stop by room 120 on the 1st floor of Hughes-Trigg on Wednesday, Sept. 25th from 12PM-1PM to gain skills that will last a lifetime! Click here to sign up on SMU360.

 

Thursday, Sept. 26 from 10AM – 3PM at the Flagpole

Unable to stop by Wednesday? You can still help save a life by donating blood on Thursday, Sept. 26th from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Flagpole. Donors will receive a free tailgate gift pack! Get ahead by selecting your time slot here. Walk-ins are welcome, however save time by registering in advance!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

MORE QUESTIONS? REACH OUT TO:

Adeel Allawala, Primary Blood Drive Coordinator
aallawala@smu.edu
(903) 908-3831

 

Thursday, Sept. 26 from 3PM – 3:50PM LOCATED IN ROOM 255 ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF THE SMU Health Center

Join a queer safe space with queer therapist, Aika Shinkawa (They/He) from SMU Counseling Services. They will host a weekly LGBTQIA student support group called “Navigating Life As A Queer Person” on Thursdays from 3PM-3:50PM in room 255 on the 2nd floor of the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center.

Topics covered will include how religious identity intersects with their queer identity, internalized homophobia and transphobia, self-love as an LGBTQIA+ person, dealing with people who are unaccepting, etc.

Students wishing to join can email CounselingServices@smu.edu to begin the screening process.

 

 

Categories
Health Center Updates Workshops & Groups

SMU Health Center Weekly Events: Sept. 16-22

SMU Health Center events hosted during the week of Sept. 16, 2024

Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 11Am – 12pm Hosted on zoom

Calling all graduate students who would like to join a support group led by Dr. Harumi from the SMU Health Center’s Counseling Services. During the interest meeting you and your peers will deliberate on the best time and day of the week that best fits your schedule everyone’s schedules. For graduate students who would like to attend, please go to smuhealth.com/gradgroupzoom to join the zoom interest meeting.

For those who cannot attend, please email CounselingServices@smu.edu with the days of the week and times that best work for you.

Click here to sign up on SMU360

Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 12pm – 1pm in room 120 located in hughes-trigg student center

Join this week’s New to SMU workshop session with SMU Counseling Services to learn how to find yourself and make new, meaningful, and lasting connections with others!

Click here to sign up on SMU360

 

Categories
Health Center Updates Health Screenings

Free STI Testing at the SMU Health Center

The SMU Health Center partners with AHF to provide free STI testing for all SMU students today from 10 AM – 2 PM. This will take place in room 219 on the 2nd floor of the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. Registering on SMU360 is highly encouraged, however walk-ins are welcome! Click here to sign up on SMU360.

How to receive test results: Students will receive their results through the Healthvana patient portal that they will register for at the time of testing. Results will appear in the Healthvana patient portal 3-5 business days after the test date.

Future STI Testing Dates: All STI testing clinics will be held in room 219 on the second floor of the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center from 10 AM – 2 PM unless otherwise specified. Students may register in advance by clicking on the dates below to register on SMU360.

Categories
Health Center Updates Health Screenings Workshops & Groups

SMU Health Center Weekly Events: Sept. 9-15

SMU Health Center events hosted during the week of Sept. 9, 2024

Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 10Am – 2pm on the 2nd floor of the health center in room 219

The SMU Health Center is partnering with AHF to provide free STI testing for all SMU students. This will take place on the 2nd floor of the Health Center in room 219. Registering on SMU360 is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

Click here to sign up on SMU360

Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 12pm – 1pm in room 120 located in hughes-trigg student center

Feeling disconnected, sad, or lonely? You may be experiencing homesickness. Join this week’s workshop to learn helpful tips on how to cope with homesickness, get connected, and deal with roommate conflicts.

Click here to sign up on SMU360

Categories
Health Center Updates Workshops & Groups

New To SMU Workshops

Start your new life in college off right  with the New To SMU workshops!

TRANSITIONING INTO COLLEGE LIFE & COPING WITH HOMESICKNESS

Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 12pm – 1pm in HTSC 120

Click here to sign up on SMU360
FINDING YOURSELF AND MAKING CONNECTIONS

Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 12pm – 1pm in HTSC 120

Click here to sign up on SMU360
HEALTHY COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 12pm – 1pm in HTSC 120

Click here to sign up on SMU360
DEVELOPING YOUR IDENTITY AND LEARNING SELF-LOVE

Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 12pm – 1pm in HTSC 120

Click here to sign up on SMU360
Categories
Health Center Updates

Campus Smiles In-Network with SMU’s BCBS TX Dental Plan

Promotional banner stating SMU's Campus Smiles Dental office at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center is in-network.

Campus Smiles In-Network with SMU’s BCBS TX Dental Plan

Did you know your employee dental benefits can be used at SMU Health Center’s dental office, Campus Smiles? Your benefit coverage also extends to your spouse and dependents as well! Visit us on the first floor of the Health Center to receive high quality dental care. Schedule your appointment with Campus Smiles by booking online here or calling 214-768-3384.

You can find out more about your deductible, coverage, out of pocket expenses for your employee dental benefits here.

Want to know more about Campus Smiles and their services?

You can contact Campus Smiles by calling 214-768-3384 or by emailing SMUDentist@Campus-Smiles.com.

Want to know more about your SMU employee benefits?

You can contact SMU HR by calling 214-768-3311 or by emailing Benefits@smu.edu to inquire more about your benefits.

Categories
flu healthalerts

Take Precautions Against the Flu

February 2, 2024

Dear SMU Community,

We are in the peak of flu season and influenza is on the rise at SMU. The number of flu cases and other respiratory illnesses at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center has more than tripled over the past two weeks.  Please take preventive actions that can protect you (and others) from circulating these viruses such as washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with individuals who are ill, and making sure your vaccinations are up to date.

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center provides free flu shots to students, faculty, and staff. This season’s flu vaccine is well-matched to circulating viruses and should offer good protection from severe illness.  No appointment is necessary.  You may call, email, or use the SMU Health Portal to schedule an appointment.

If you experience flu-like symptoms or test positive for the flu, it is recommended that you stay home and refrain from attending classes or work until you are fever free (temperature drops below 100.5°) for at least 24 hours. As a reminder, our pharmacy is stocked with over-the-counter medications and relief aids should you need them.

Your health and well-being are important to us. For more information and additional resources, please visit the Health Center website.

Sincerely,

Randy P. Jones, DDS, MPH
Associate Dean of Student Life
Executive Director of Health Services
Dr. Bob Smith Health Center

Categories
covid19 covid19vaccinations flu healthalerts

Vaccines and other health and wellbeing reminders for Fall 2023

Dear SMU Community,

As the fall academic term resumes, we want to bring your attention to important health and well-being information and remind you about available resources.

You may have seen local and national news media reports about an increase in COVID-19 cases. This trend is reflected in an uptick in positive tests at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, serving as a reminder that the virus remains present.

Updated COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are expected to be available in the next few weeks. Please consult with your doctor or a healthcare provider to determine if the vaccine or booster is appropriate for you.

Students

The University offers students the option to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters on campus at the Health Center. You can schedule an appointment using the SMU Health Portal or by calling 214-768-2141 (option 1). Students can also schedule an appointment to be tested for COVID-19 by following these same procedures.

Employees

COVID-19 tests, vaccinations or boosters for employees remain widely available at local pharmacies and through healthcare providers. They are no longer offered to employees on campus at the Health Center.

Flu season is approaching

The Health Center offers influenza vaccines for students, employees and the broader campus community. Contact the Health Center to schedule an appointment and watch for details in your email about the campus mobile flu shot clinics and schedule. A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from flu.

As with any contagious illness, if you feel sick, have symptoms or test positive, do not come to class or work. If you have been exposed, monitor for symptoms.

  • Students, contact your instructors and make up any work if you miss class.
  • Faculty and staff, please alert your dean or supervisor if you plan to miss work due to illness.

You can help minimize the spread of respiratory viruses by getting vaccinated and practicing healthy habits like washing your hands, covering your cough, and avoiding people who are sick.

Your health and well-being are important to us. Please visit the Health Center website for more information and resources.

Sincerely,

Randy P. Jones, DDS, MPH
Associate Dean of Student Life
Executive Director of Health Services
Dr. Bob Smith Health Center

Categories
Uncategorized

Student Health Center Fee Ensures Access to Excellent Care, Services

At the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, our mission is to provide quality, compassionate, cost-effective and convenient ambulatory healthcare and education services that promote healthy habits and academic success.

Our center is conveniently located on campus and staffed with licensed medical doctors and providers, registered nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory and x-ray technologists. These dedicated professionals are here to serve you and help diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.

The Health Center fee allows SMU to enhance our facilities and services, including increased access to specialists and mental health counselors. However, balancing rising healthcare costs while maintaining excellent care is challenging. To ensure that you continue to have access to the best available healthcare services, SMU is implementing a stepped increase in the Health Center fee for the next three years, pending final approval of each fiscal year’s budget.

  • The Health Center Fee for full-time undergraduate students not residing in a residence hall will increase by $15 per semester, or to $115 for the 2023-24 academic year; the fee will increase to $127.50 per semester for 2024-25 and to $140 per semester for 2025-26.
  • The fee for part-time undergraduate students not residing in a residence hall will increase by $10 per semester to $60 per semester for 2023-24; the fee will increase to $65 per semester in 2024-25 and to $80 per semester in 2025-26.
  • The Health Center Fee for all graduate students will increase by $25 to $75 per semester for the 2023-24 academic year; the fee will increase to $110 per semester in 2024-25 and to $140 per semester in 2025-26, aligning the fee with what undergraduate students will pay for access to the same services.
  • The fee is included in the room and board charges for students who reside in University-owned housing. It is mandatory for all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in on-campus degree programs and is separate from any mandatory insurance costs.

As a reminder, students are required to maintain health insurance to cover the costs of specialty care, prescriptions, emergency care, inpatient care, and other off-campus health services. This requirement can be met either by purchasing the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or an alternative insurance plan with comparable benefits.

The fee adjustment will allow us to continue expanding staffing levels, as well as our investments in best-in-class technology, infrastructure, and security. Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we remain committed to providing excellent patient care to you and your fellow Mustangs. Please check out the many services covered at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center by visiting this website.

Sincerely,

Randy P. Jones, DDS, MPH
Associate Dean of Student Life
and Executive Director of Health Services

Categories
Uncategorized

Take precautions against the flu

As flu season sets in, we’re seeing a significant rise in respiratory illnesses on campus. Typically, infections begin to pick up around the holidays and peak in January and February. Rates of transmission are currently high in Texas and around the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are predicting a difficult flu season.

We highly recommend getting vaccinated. This season’s flu vaccine continues to be a good match for circulating strains.

Other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, are also circulating, so it’s also a good idea to get boosted. Both the flu and COVID vaccines are available at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center and can both be administered during the same appointment.

Nobody wants to be sick, especially during the holiday season. Contact us today to make an appointment. Please schedule online or call 214-768-2141.
Learn more at smu.edu/flu.