PARENT & FAMILY HABIF HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE
Dear parents and families, The health and well-being of your student is especially important, and the staff of the Habif Health & Wellness Center want to make sure their transition into college is as smooth as possible. Habif is an accredited, integrated health center located on campus providing medical, mental health, and health education/prevention services to all fulltime unÂdergraduate and graduate degree seeking students. The transition to university life can be exciting, but also stressful. This transition will bring with it many great experiences as well as some challenges, which will occur both inside and outside of the classroom. The strong academic program at WashU is augmented with outstanding student support through a variety of departments in the Division of Student Affairs. We would like you to be aware of our resources at Habif should the need exist now or in the future. With a staff of medical doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and medical assistants, Habif provides a wide range of primary and urgent care needs. We are also able to offer pharmacy and radiology services, nutrition support, reproductive health services and referrals for other specialty medical services. In addition, our Mental Health Services (MHS) at Habif consists of a diverse team of clinical psychologists, professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers and psychiatrists offering a range of services including consultation, workshops, group therapy, couples counseling and individual counselÂing. Medication management can also be provided to students who have been prescribed psychiatric medication. Finally, our Health Promotion team offers a variety of programming throughout the year aimed at ensuring students live their healthiest life while at WashU. Topics include nutrition, fitness, sexual health, heathy relationships, mental wellness, as well as other areas. We look forward to welcoming your new stuÂdent to campus and being available to support their care during their time at WashU. Please review the information in this handout for information regarding health record and immunization requirements, transferring records and prescriptions, continuing mental health care that may be needed. There is also information concerning conversations we encourage you to have with your student before they arrive on campus. If you have any questions or additional areas where we may support your student, please reach out to HabifInfo@wustl.edu. Best wishes for a healthy summer. Sincerely,
Cheri LeBlanc, MD Executive Director, Habif Health and Wellness Center
Tom Brounk, PhD Director, Mental Health Services
Health History and Immunization Information In order to keep our campus healthy and lower the risk of communicable diseases, all incoming students are required to provide the Habif Health & Wellness Center with important and necessary health documents. These include:
Proof of immunization for the following: •
Meningococcal vaccine (MCV4), including a booster if the first dose was given before age 16.
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Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) after one year of age, or proof of immunity (blood tests).
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For international students: All students entering from countries where Tuberculosis is endemic will also require Tuberculosis testing.
Health history information •
This form includes emergency contact information, a medical history, as well as medication and allergy documentation, which will become part of your student’s confidential health record.
This information is all submitted via the Student Portal at studenthealth.wustl.edu.
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WashU students who have not completed these health document requirements prior to move-in will not be allowed to enter their residence hall.
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University Health Insurance Waiver Process All full-time, degree seeking students at Washington University are required to have health insurance, and your student will be automatically enrolled in the university’s health insurance plan. This coverage, offered through United Healthcare Student Resources has an annual premium charge of $1,942 that will be applied to your student’s account (estimated charge pending approval by the Missouri Division of Insurance). This is a fully funded health plan with an effective date of August 1, 2020, to run through July 31, 2021. If you wish to opt out of this insurance, there is a waiver process that opens July 1, 2020 and must be completed by September 5, 2020. In order to waive out of the student health insurance plan, current insurance coverage must meet the university’s specific criteria. That list can be found on the Habif Health & Wellness Center website at habif.wustl.edu (search for “insurance waiver”). International students: Students entering with an F1 or J1 visa are not eligible to waive out of the university-provided plan unless they have current insurance coverage provided by a domestic employer plan through a North American-based insurance company. Questions regarding student health insurance or the waiver process can be directed via email to studentinsurance@wustl.edu or by phone at (314) 935-6666.
Mental Health Services Availability of counseling while at WashU Our brief individual counseling model is designed to help students manage immediate problems and provide short-term therapy. These services are ideal for issues that have arisen recently or that are expected to resolve relatively quickly. MHS also offers a strong group counseling program with many helpful options. For students who may need more open-ended counseling services, the MHS staff can facilitate a referral for counseling in St. Louis, close to campus. Common examples of issues that may be more appropriate for a referral to professional counseling off campus are outlined in our Scope of Services statement at students.wustl.edu/ mental-health-services.
Continuing mental health care while in St. Louis If your student currently attends weekly therapy or could benefit from longer-term counseling beyond one semester, we recommend finding a therapist in the St. Louis area to best meet these needs. If your student currently takes medication for mental health-related concerns, please contact your prescribing physician/provider prior to their arrival on campus to arrange for continued prescription coverage while your student is at school. Most students find this arrangement generally easier than switching providers. Follow-up visits can be scheduled in advance with your prescribing physician/provider during break periods when your student plans to be home. If your student would like assistance transferring their mental health care, please have your student call (314) 935-6695 or email MHSCoordinator@wustl.edu. We recommend that your student contact us over the summer, prior to arrival on campus. The excellent and adaptable “Transition of Care Guide” for transitioning mental health care from home to school can also be found at SetToGo.org in the “Tools” section of the website. In addition, there is a searchable database of therapists located near the WashU campus available at wustl.rints.com.
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Preparing Your Student to Live at WashU Understanding their health history Prior to your student attending college is a good time to have a conversation about their health history and how to access medical care. You student should be able to discuss the following independently: •
Their health history including major diagnoses or past surgeries
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Medications they take regularly
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Family medical history
Transferring prescriptions For your student’s convenience, prescriptions for medications can be transferred to the Quadrangle Pharmacy, located on campus in the Habif Health & Wellness Center. For more information, visit students.wustl.edu/pharmacy.
Building a first-aid kit You should equip your student with some over-the-counter medications and first aid supplies that they are familiar with and can utilize independently. Some suggestions include: •
ace bandages
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cough/cold/allergy relief
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adhesive bandages
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current prescriptions
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antibiotic ointment
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fever/pain relief
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anti-Itch/bug bite ointment
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thermometer
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cold packs/heating pads
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upset stomach relief
Keeping proper documentation When coming to campus, students should bring: •
Copies of immunization records and a recent physical exam
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Copies of insurance cards
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Medical, dental, vision and prescription plans
Tip: If your student has a smart phone, have them take a photo of the insurance and prescription cards (front and back) to keep easily on-hand.
Need to transfer your student’s prescription to the on-campus pharmacy? Find the form at students.wustl.edu/pharmacy.
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A Conversation with Your Student About Alcohol and Sexual Violence As you prepare to send your student to WashU, there are a few serious issues we would like you to discuss with them, including alcohol and sexual violence. By the end of July, your student will receive several emails concerning two mandatory risk reduction courses that all incoming students must complete prior to the beginning of classes. Offered through Everfi, the two short online courses will examine the interconnected issues between alcohol/ substance misuse and sexual violence. The courses are designed to help promote a healthier and safer campus environment for everyone. Visit everfi.com to learn more. You might wonder why we require these courses or why you are receiving this information. The truth is – the issues of sexual violence, under-age consumption, and high-risk drinking are serious concerns for colleges and universities across the country, including ours. Research has shown when parents and family members speak with their students about expectations concerning behavior and high-risk situations, it can lead to a healthier college experience. If you have not already done so, please discuss with your student about their attitudes and behaviors toward alcohol, as well as the impact alcohol can have on communication and relationships. It is essential to have clear consent if engaging in sexual activity. Alcohol misuse does not cause sexual violence, and clear consent cannot be given when one is incapacitated by alcohol.
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Later this summer, your student will receive emails with links to courses related to these issues.
When talking with your student, you might consider the following points: •
The decision to abstain from alcohol use and/or sexual activity are healthy choices that many of our students make.
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Moderation is essential if students choose to drink alcohol. From our experience, the most serious consequences occur when students consume large quantities in a short amount of time.
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If students ever feel that they --or one of their friends --are in immediate danger because of alcohol use, the Washington University Emergency Support Team (EST) is available 24/7 at (314) 935-5555. Please take time to review our Medical Amnesty and Active Bystander Protocol with your student at medicalamnesty.wustl.edu.
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If your student has concerns about their own habits or behaviors regarding alcohol, Habif staff includes an Assistant Director of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Programming who is available for free consultations in the Habif Health and Wellness Center.
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Students in recovery from substance use can join the WashU Recovery Group by emailing recovery@wustl.edu.
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Students with prescription medication are encouraged to consult with their physician before choosing to consume alcohol.
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We hope that all students will build healthy relationships during their time with us and intervene when they observe concerning behavior among their peers. We have programs and resources to support them in their efforts. Visit sexualviolence.wustl.edu for more information.
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Washington University offers several options to support students who have experienced sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking. Visit rsvp.wustl.edu, titleix.wustl.edu, and habif.wustl.edu for more information.
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Important Health & Wellness Resources Habif Health and Wellness habif.wustl.edu habifinfo@wustl.edu studentinsurance@wustl.edu (314) 935-6666
Dining Services (including the nutritionist) diningservices.wustl.edu diningservices@wustl.edu (314) 935-7098
Disability Resources disabilityresources.wustl.edu disabilityresources@wustl.edu (314) 935-5970
Emergency Mangagement (including COVID-19 information) emergency.wustl.edu WashUReady@wustl.edu (314) 935-8300 (888) 234-2863 (Toll-free)
Recreation rec.wustl.edu rec@wustl.edu (314) 935-4619
Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center (RSVP) rsvpcenter.wustl.edu rsvpcenter@wustl.edu (314) 935-3445
Title IX at WashU titleix.wustl.edu titleix@wustl.edu
Washington University Police Department (WUPD) police.wustl.edu police@wustl.edu (314) 935-5555
This guide was created by THE HABIF HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER 6643 Shepley Drive, St. Louis, MO 63105 habif.wustl.edu (314) 935-6666