Student Health Service is here for you: Students collaborate with campus hub for physical & mental health resources on awareness campaign – SUNY New Paltz News

Introduction

In a significant initiative aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being, SUNY New Paltz has launched an awareness campaign emphasizing the importance of student health. This campaign, which brings together students and the campus health service, highlights the comprehensive resources available to support students in maintaining their overall health. Here, we delve into the significance of student health, the role of SUNY New Paltz’s Student Health Service, and how students are collaborating to ensure everyone has access to these vital resources.

Why is Student Health Important?

Student health is a vital aspect of academic success and overall well-being. The transition from high school to college can be challenging, with increased academic pressures, newfound independence, and the potential for increased stress. Poor health can lead to decreased academic performance, social isolation, and even serious health issues if left unaddressed. SUNY New Paltz recognizes this and has been working diligently to provide students with a supportive environment where they can manage their physical and mental health effectively.

Key Benefits of Student Health Services

• Preventive Care: Student Health Service provides non-emergency primary medical care with an emphasis on preventative health care. This includes vaccinations, regular check-ups, and advice on healthy lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene.
• Mental Health Support: The service also offers mental health services, recognizing that mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Students can access counseling services, participate in recovery meetings, and receive support for substance use disorders.
• Accessibility: Services are available Monday through Friday, with extended hours during intersession and summer. Students can schedule appointments or seek advice from a triage nurse for urgent medical issues.

The SUNY New Paltz Student Health Service

SUNY New Paltz’s Student Health Service (SHS) is dedicated to providing quality medical care in a compassionate environment. SHS interacts with students in a manner that teaches them how to interact with the healthcare system in the future. The service communicates to students how to make healthy choices regarding diet, exercise, sleep, relaxation, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and vaccinations.

How SHS Operates

1. Appointment Scheduling

   • Students can schedule appointments by calling 845-257-3400. A triage nurse will discuss the student's concerns, collect necessary information, and provide guidance or schedule an appointment as needed.

2. Emergency Procedures

   • For emergencies, students are advised to contact the University Police at 845-257-2222 or call 911 if they are off-campus.

3. Service Scope

   • SHS provides non-emergency primary medical care. The service cares for students who have health problems while college is in session, focusing on preventative healthcare.

4. Additional Support

   • Students can access additional support services such as COVID-19 vaccination updates, immunizations requirements, and tuberculosis screening policies.

Student Collaboration: The Graduating Seniors Initiative

In a significant effort to enhance awareness and engagement with the Student Health Service, a team of graduating seniors has partnered with the campus hub to promote physical and mental health resources. This initiative, led by Ryan Ng ‘25 (Communication—Organizational), aims to educate fellow students about the comprehensive services available to them.

The Campaign: #StayHealthyNewPaltz

The #StayHealthyNewPaltz campaign is a grassroots effort designed to raise awareness about the proximity of healthcare access at SUNY New Paltz. By highlighting the availability of these resources, the campaign seeks to encourage students to prioritize their health and well-being.

Key Components of the Campaign

• Social Media Outreach

  • Students are encouraged to share their experiences and tips on social media platforms using the hashtag #StayHealthyNewPaltz. This helps create a community where students can support one another in maintaining healthy lifestyles.

• Workshops and Events

  • The team has organized workshops and events focused on stress management, nutrition, and mental health. These events provide a platform for students to interact with healthcare professionals and learn practical skills for maintaining their health.

• Interactive Resources

  • The campaign includes interactive resources such as quizzes, infographics, and videos that provide valuable information on healthy living. These tools are accessible through the Student Health Service website and social media channels.

Making a Difference: The #MakeADifferenceDay Initiative

In addition to the #StayHealthyNewPaltz campaign, SUNY New Paltz has also been involved in the #MakeADifferenceDay initiative. This annual event encourages students, faculty, and staff to participate in community service activities that promote social welfare and community engagement.

Activities and Events

• Gift of Life Marrow Registry Drive

  • On Friday, October 21st, a Gift of Life Marrow Registry drive was held on campus. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of bone marrow donations and to encourage students to register as potential donors. One simple swab could potentially change a life by providing hope to a cancer patient in need.

• Hands-On Service Projects

  • On Saturday, October 22nd, students participated in hands-on service projects across various locations in the community. These projects included farm-to-food pantries, Salvation Army service, and youth mission outreach programs. Each volunteer was assigned to a service agency based on the greatest need, ensuring that their efforts were maximally impactful.

Impact and Participation

The #MakeADifferenceDay initiative has seen significant participation from SUNY New Paltz students. Over the past two years, 26 students have successfully matched with donors through the Gift of Life Marrow Registry, with five students donating stem cells. This demonstrates the power of community engagement and the positive impact that students can have when working together towards a common goal.

Conclusion

SUNY New Paltz’s Student Health Service is more than just a department; it is a hub of care and support that caters to the diverse needs of students. By collaborating with a team of graduating seniors, the campus has launched an awareness campaign that highlights the importance of physical and mental health. The #StayHealthyNewPaltz campaign, coupled with initiatives like #MakeADifferenceDay, demonstrates the university's commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive environment for all students. As students navigate the challenges of college life, it is crucial to remember that their health and well-being are paramount. SUNY New Paltz’s Student Health Service is here for them, providing the necessary resources and support to ensure they thrive both academically and personally.

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References

1. SUNY New Paltz Student Health Service

   • Student Health Service - SUNY New Paltz

2. Student Health Service Operations

   • Student Health Service Hours and SCOPE OF PRACTICE

3. Local Resource List

   • Local Resource List for mental health services and crisis intervention.

4. Make a Difference Day

   • Make a Difference Day 2022

5. Wellness Initiatives

   • Recovery Support and Wellness Collective.