Letter to Editor:
In response to the “EMU needs affordable STI testing” piece in the Echo’s op-ed section (Mon. 02/07/11), we here at University Health Services would like to clarify some of the concerns expressed.
University Health Services makes every effort to provide available and accessible care to the EMU community. We offer scheduled appointments, as well as walk-ins.
Our medical and nursing staff provides one-on-one sexual/medical health education and contraceptive counseling. UHS offers same day testing and treatment for many STIs. The UHS pharmacy is here to fill prescriptions and for purchasing over-the-counter products, such as condoms and Plan B.
Also, there is free HIV testing available in the Wellness Center (located on the 3rd floor in the Snow Health Center) every Thursday from 10am-4pm.
UHS strives to establish a relationship with their patients. Unlike some government-funded clinics, we pride ourselves in looking at our patients in their totality. Establishing this relationship takes time and effort for both the clinician and the patient, but we find it to be an important investment for all involved.
The affordability aspect of your op-ed is not to be refuted but is oftentimes outside UHS influence. It is to be noted, there are fixed costs, such as those from outside laboratories, which UHS has no control or authority.
UHS is not a free clinic and does not receive funding from the county or state to provide STI testing. However, we offer referrals to our local health department (which is no longer free “due to the state’s economy”) or other low-cost clinics.
There are several options available to students, such as EMU’s Student Health Insurance policy which covers one (1) “well” visit per academic year; STI testing can be used for this visit. EMU’s Student Government graciously provides UHS with limited funding for discounted chlamydia and gonorrhea testing, which is provided in March.
Moreover, UHS allows our patients the option of paying up front or charging costs to their student account (eBill). We here at University Health Services are quite concerned about STIs on campus and find it a priority, especially when the Washtenaw County Health Department reports to us the county had surpassed the reported cases of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea of 2009 by November 2010.
UHS is available and accessible to all within the EMU community and we do not make payment a prerequisite to being tested.
University Health Services Staff
Eastern Michigan University