Few students are aware of the Yuba College Medical Center available to them when in need of medical assistance or guidance. But numerous services are provided there.Financed by students through funds extracted from student services fees, the center’s staff is composed of only two people: Sara Harris, Campus nurse for over 20 years, and Jacquie Weare, receptionist. The center promotes a comforting environment for students visiting Harris with any medical problems.The Center provides health counseling, health education, referrals to medical care providers, first aid, TB testing, pregnancy testing, treatment for minor illnesses, vision screenings, blood pressure screenings, as well as stress management and a rest area—all free of charge. The facility is currently located in room 122 in the 100 building, right of the front desks upon south-side entry.Propositions to relocate the center adjacent to the Yuba College police barracks have been introduced recently, but with the disapproval of Harris.Though the new location would provide Harris with necessities like running water and electricity, it would be distanced from the main campus: near the East Parking Lot. Harris said her biggest concern is the well being of older Yuba students after the move. Placing the Center so far away from the main campus could agitate the respiratory and heart problems of older and larger students who get around by foot and who are attended by Harris. If a student or faculty member was in need of quick assistance, he might face trouble in walking such a far distance before receiving treatment, said Harris.Americans make roughly 1.5 billion visits to the physician yearly. The three most common reasons students visit their school nurse during the winter season are respiratory problems, such as the cold and bronchitis; circulatory problems, such as hypertension and heart troubles; and nervous system and sensory ailments such as migraines. The Center does not handle HIV and AIDS testing independently. Rather, a unit is established in the campus quad by the Yuba County Health Department. Testing is confidential, and the last session was held in November 2001. Student medical attention can be obtained by appointment or on a drop-in basis Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Center can be reached by telephone at (530) 741-6818.
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