What is the McKinley Health Center and why should I care?

MARTA NARAG mnarag2@dailyillini.com

STAFF WRITER MICHAEL BALES mcbales2@dailyillini.com

The McKinley Health Center is the University’s on-campus health center. Just south of the Main Quad, the historic building serves students from across the University’s campus.

The services provided to students at McKinley are paid for by the Health Service Fee included in University tuition, so even if a student opts out of University health insurance coverage, McKinley is there to help.

When experiencing any health complications or injuries while on campus — or even if you just come down with a cold — it’s helpful to understand the many ways to utilize McKinley’s services.

McKinley o ers a range of health care services including physicals, women’s health care, mental health support and a pharmacy.

“McKinley should come rst to mind when (a student) is thinking about (their) health care needs when (they) are on campus,” said Awais Vaid, director of the McKinley Health Center.

McKinley has an online portal called MyMcKinley that students can use to schedule appointments. Using a NetID and password to log in, the portal allows students to choose their provider, communicate the reason for their appointment and select a time that best ts their schedule.

Students may also call 217-333-2700 during weekday business hours — Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — to schedule an appointment.

To cancel an appointment, students can call the same number. Failure to cancel within two hours of the appointment time will result in a $20 fee charged to the student’s account.

McKinley o ers an array of products and services including bloodwork, X-rays and prescription medication.

“The pharmacy at McKinley lls most of the prescriptions — if not all of them,” Vaid said. “Most of those prescriptions are $5 out of pocket — so it’s a very small copayment.”

Other items provided by McKinley include products for minor injuries, allergies, insomnia and sexual safety — which are free of charge, like most of their services. There are vending machines throughout campus that o er supplies, only requiring an i-card to use.

“We have primary care providers who can see you for all of your health needs,” Vaid said. “All of these services can be taken care of in-house at McKinley.”

According to Vaid, McKinley o ers specialty care for women’s health, counselors and psychiatrists who can prescribe medication, physical therapists and stress management counselors to students.

Even if students chose to opt out of the Illinois student health insurance plan, they still have access to McKinley.

“The health insurance coverage is only for services outside of Mckinley,” Vaid said. “Since you’ve already paid the student fee, you are getting the services at no charge.”

According to Vaid, the cost of McKinley is included in the student fee that is charged alongside tuition each year. This cost also covers the University counseling center.

Vaid said that although McKinley is free to students, the sta are highly qualied and experienced.

“There is a misconception out there that since it’s a student health center, we do not have the expertise or the providers that we have are at the same level as if you would go to a hospital,” Vaid said. “But that’s not true.”

Vaid added that McKinley’s family medicine and internal medicine providers are also board-certi ed, which gives students easier access to quality medical professionals.

Another bene t to seeking medical attention at McKinley is reduced wait times for certain kinds of specialty care, Vaid said.

McKinley also o ers University students mental health resources. These include appointments where students can meet con dentially with a licensed mental health professional.

McKinley o ers a wide range of services, but Vaid is still looking to make new additions in the future. Some of the ideas suggested for the future range from satellite location technology for urgent care to an in-house massage therapist, which Vaid said “a lot of students have requested.”

“We coordinate everything for you and we do everything for you,” Vaid said. “We want to keep you well so that you can excel in your education.”