University students are faced daily with powerful outside pressures, in addition to the demands of classes and academic performance. California State University, Bakersfield is committed to enhancing students' experiences by offering resources such as Student Health Services (SHS) that allow them to deal with these concerns so they focus on their studies and, ultimately, make it to graduation.
“Student Health Services contributes to student success by providing students basic health care to stay healthy during their academic career at CSUB while also empowering them to become their own health care advocate and take charge of their health,” said SHS Health Educator Lauren Hedlund. “The mission of the Student Health Services is to build a healthy campus community by providing quality, caring, affordable and inclusive healthcare and health promotion services that foster academic success and student development.”
SHS, a nationally accredited ambulatory health clinic, provides students with care from physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses, an in-house clinical laboratory and a pharmacy and health promotion services.
“Student fees support the facility and provide many basic services, which are available at little or no cost to CSUB students,” said Hedlund.
Those services include basic, outpatient medical care including the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions, illnesses and injuries through:
- Laboratory
- Pharmacy
- X-ray referral
- Sexual health services
- Minor surgery
- Immunizations
- Nutrition counseling
- Lactation room
Hedlund adds there are a few other services that students might not be aware of, such as free Narcan that is available after completing online training.
“You can also pick up free reproductive health products — condoms (internal and external), dental dams, lube — in the pharmacy, no appointment needed!” she said.
The pharmacy also carries over-the-counter medications that are typically less expensive than off-campus pharmacies. Students can have prescriptions filled at the pharmacy, even if they aren't prescribed by an SHS provider.
The latest addition to SHS is a registered dietician, who joined the staff last semester. Students are now able to receive free nutritional counseling, practical tips and nutritional guidance as they plan meals and snacks. This will help them remain focused and have energy throughout a day of classes and homework.
If you haven’t had a chance to stop by SHS just yet, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the team around campus — or will — in the days ahead.
“Our health promotion staff and peer educators can be frequently seen outside SHS in various ways, including tabling and outreach events, to bring relevant health information directly to students,” Hedlund said.
In fact, there are a few events coming up over the next few months to make note of: The Great American Smokeout on Nov. 16 in the Dorothy Donahue Hall Corridor from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and World Aids Day on Dec. 1. More details will be provided on this event soon.
Students can call SHS at 661-654-2394 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome between 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 1–4:30 p.m. For more information, visit the SHS website or find them on social media @csubstudenthealthservices on Facebook and Instagram and @csubshs on X.
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