STD screenings. Counseling. Flu shots. Immunizations. Mt. SAC’s Student Health Services expands its medical and health offerings for full and part-time students. In February 2016, Student Health Services opened a new satellite location in the Student Success Center on the second floor of Building 9E room 2300.

Joanne Bermejo, registered nurse at Mt. SAC for almost 20 years who works at the Student Health Services, said the health center is an area on campus where students can obtain physical, mental, and educational health.

Typically, anyone who is currently taking credit courses is able to receive care. However, if there is a crisis on campus, a life-threatening situation, or someone needs first aid, exceptions are made and a non-student will be seen.

According to their page on the Mt. SAC website, there is also personal counseling services that “offer supportive, non-judgmental, confidential short-term personal counseling and counseling in emergency situations.”

The Student Health Services provide evaluations and treatment on short-term illnesses and injuries, chiropractic services, physical exams, tuberculosis testing, and immunizations to students. They also offer sexual health services such as gynecological and testicular exams, STD screenings, pregnancy tests, and several forms of contraception, including free condoms. Additionally, throughout the year, Student Health Services host multiple health education events, which are often posted on the portal.

Patients who go in to receive care may find themselves being seen by one of two medical doctors, an advanced practice nurse, registered nurses, medical assistants, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage family therapists, health educators, chiropractors, or clerical staff depending on one’s needs.

“I always go to them when I get hurt or I feel something is wrong, “Summer Atherton, 20, Mt. SAC cheerleader and respiratory therapist major said. “They always help in the best way possible.”

Atherton added that the services she has received at Student Health Services Center has been great, because not only was the staff on top of things, but they also got her seen quickly.

Each term, students are charged a health fee of about $20 depending on his or her financial situation. The fee covers their visit to see one of the licensed health professionals on campus. If a student needs any type of medication, immunization, test, or lab done, there is a small fee that students are then charged.

“I would highly recommended it because it’s free to students who pay their fees and it’s right on campus,” Atherton said.

All medical information on each individual is kept strictly confidential. The Student Health Services follows Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA), which provides data privacy and security of an individual’s medical information.

“The only reason why we would release records would be with written authorization from the patient themselves,” Bermejo said.

If a patient is a potential harm to him or herself or another individual, Student Health Services is required to inform law enforcement and release medical records.

According to a Student Health Services pamphlet, “The Student Health Center helps keep students physically and emotionally healthy so they can perform at their best.”

In addition to their newest satellite location, the Student Health Services established their main Health Center in March 2005. The office is located almost directly across campus in building 67B.