Health Center
Image: Students walking on campus in the fall
CARING FOR STUDENTS PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
The mission of the Student Health Center is to maintain optimum physical and emotional health of the Hiram College student body through the provision of quality, accessible, comprehensive and cost-effective primary health care.
We also strive to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices through ongoing educational outreach and programming. The Student Health Center assists students in the pursuit of their academic goals and personal development consistent with the mission of the college.
Location & Hours
The Health Center is located on the corner of Hinsdale and Peckham Streets across from the Pendleton House. A handicapped access ramp is located at the front entrance. All traditional plan students are welcome to use the Health Center.
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.)
Appointments required. Please call 330.569.5418 or email healthcenter@hiram.edu with questions.
Health care is available for illnesses and injuries in addition to most routine/preventative care. There is no office call charge to use the Health Center.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS:
- acute illness or injury
- allergy injections (student provides antigenic extract)
- chronic health care management
- employment physicals
- first aid supplies
- gynecological testing
- HIV testing immunizations
- laboratory testing (sent to UH Portage)
- men’s/women’s health counseling
- men’s urological health
- nutritional counseling
- rapid mono & strep testing
- rapid pregnancy testing
- sexually transmitted infection testing
- Smoking & Vaping Cessation
- stress management therapy travel consultations
- urinalysis
The Health Center provides daily courier service for prescriptions from Garrettsville Family Pharmacy. Garrettsville Family Pharmacy is the pharmacy used by the Health Center for prescriptions called in by our staff unless otherwise requested by the student.
Garrettsville Family Pharmacy is covered by most insurance plans, and it would be advisable for you to check with your insurance plan prior to your visit to the Health Center.
It is the student’s responsibility to pick up the prescriptions from the Health Center. Prescriptions not picked up by the student will still be billed to the student account.
The Health Center requires students to complete and submit the medical forms below prior to entering Hiram College.
Required forms:
- Health Record & Consent Form
- Sickle Cell Form (only required of athletes)
- Immunization Information
These forms should be as complete as possible. This information is necessary as it helps us to accurately treat students, and immunization records are required by law.
The completed forms are submitted online to the Julia Church Health Center.
- If you have any questions, please contact the Health Center Coordinator, Alison Johnston at: johnstona@hiram.edu
*You may take photos of your health insurance and/or prescription cards using your cell phone camera in order to upload. Please be sure to include front and back.
Symptoms | Generic Name (look in ingredient list) | Brand Names |
---|---|---|
General Aches and Pains, Fever | Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Naproxen | Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, Aleve |
Stuffy Nose, Ear Pain, Facial/Sinus Pain | Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine | Sudafed, Many Combo Products (behind counter), Sudafed PE, Combo Products with “PE” in the name |
Itchy Nose/Eyes, Sneezing, Runny Nose, Watery Eyes, Scratchy Throat | Diphenhydramine, Loratadine, Cetirizine | Benadryl (sedating), Claritin (nonsedating), Zyrtec (nonsedating) |
Productive Cough | Guaifenesin (thins mucus) | Robitussin, Mucinex |
Non-Productive Cough | Dextromethorphan | Robitussin DM, Delsym, Mucinex DM |
Sore Throat | Phenol, Menthol | Chloraseptic Spray, Cepacol, Halls |
Diarrhea | Loperamide, Bismuth Subsalicylate | Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate |
Constipation | H2O, Fiber, Docusate (stool softener) | Water, Metamucil, Fibercon, Benefiber, Colace |
Nausea | Bismuth Subsalicylate | Pepto-Bismol |
SMOKING CESSATION
Are you hooked on tobacco? Remember, smoking is an addiction, and most people find quitting a challenge. The Health Center can help you with tips and techniques to help you kick the habit. Make an appointment for individual counseling on how to quit or bring a friend who wants to quit with you.
Additional resources:
www.drugrehab.com/addiction/drugs/nicotine/
https://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/
https://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/quit-smoking/how-to-quit-smoking-plan.htm
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE RESOURCES
With the current opioid addiction crisis, we know that most people are impacted in one way or another. Knowing where to turn is part of the struggle. We would like to provide you with some resources. If you or someone you know needs help please reach out to someone for help.
Local resources:
Coleman Access 330-296-3555
New Day Recovery 330-953-3300
Townhall II 330-678-3006 or 866-449-8518
First Step Recovery 330-369-8022
Glenbeigh 800-234-1001
On-line resources:
www.drugrehab.com/addiction/alcohol/
Alcohol Anonymous Meeting finder: www.aacleve.org
We will not be offering a student insurance plan this year. The plans presented were not cost effective for our students. Below are some insurance brokers who are willing to help students in need of insurance to find something suitable:
Campus Unity Benefits
216.236.8199
Aileen Connors
aileenc@campusunitybenefits.com
The Julia Church Health Center provides students, faculty and staff with comprehensive and up-to-date information and health care while traveling to destinations around the world. Travelers are advised to make an appointment well before they are scheduled to leave. For some destinations it can take several months to complete all necessary immunizations. The consultation is free of charge.
THE VACCINES WE PROVIDE
- Tetanus and Diphtheria
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Yellow Fever
Preventative medications for malaria are prescribed.
We also provide tuberculosis skin testing (Mantoux) prior to departing and/or after returning from destination(s) if necessary. In addition, we supply you with destination specific information handouts on climate, terrain, economy, transportation, resources, consular information and emergency services. For further information you may visit these websites:
- For passport information
- For information about travel advisories
- For health information alerts
- For embassy tip sheets
- The CIA World Fact Book
PREPARING FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
What your First Aid Kit should contain (keep all medicines in original containers)
- ibuprofen or acetaminophen (for pain, inflammation or fever)
- antiseptic wipes
- antibiotic ointment
- bandages
- diphenhydramine (i.e. Benadryl, for localized allergic reaction)
- Optional:hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion (topical anti-itch)
- dimenhydrinate (i.e. Dramamine, for motion sickness)
- topical insect sting relief
For traveler’s diarrhea
- bismuth subsalicylate (i.e. Pepto Bismol)
- Immodium AD
- oral antibiotics (for severe cases)
FYI on Traveler’s Diarrhea
Traveler’s diarrhea can occur in upwards of 50% of individuals traveling to underdeveloped countries. It’s acquired through feces-contaminated food and water. The traveler should avoid eating ice cubes and fresh fruit/vegetables not prepared by the traveler; should make sure food is hot and well cooked; and should avoid purchasing food from street vendors.
Prophylactic drugs for traveler’s diarrhea should be considered, particularly for persons who have a medical condition that would be compromised by any additional illness. The current recommendation for diarrhea prevention includes the use of Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate). This is good prophylactic because it is effective and better tolerated than antibiotics. Taking Pepto can reduce the chance of getting traveler’s diarrhea by as much as 65%. The bismuth eliminates harmful bacteria from the stomach, and the subsalicylate reduces the output of diarrhea fluid by its antisecretory and anti-inflammatory effects on the bowel wall.
Pepto is most effective when taken with meals and at bedtime. It should be avoided by persons with aspirin allergy or intolerance, bleeding disorders, history of peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, renal insufficiency, current use of anticoagulants, probenicid or methotrexate. It should be used cautiously with aspirin. Pepto Bismol will block the absorption of doxycycline, and therefore, the two should not be taken simultaneously.
The liquid form of Pepto is more effective than the tablets due to its coating effect. If diarrhea is not controlled by eight ounces of Pepto over a short period of time, antibiotic treatment should be started. Pepto should be stopped at this point, as it may interfere with antibiotic absorption. Starting Immodium AD with the antibiotic will decrease the intestinal motility and kill the bacteria. Do not take Immodium if you have a fever and be sure to stop it once your stools start to firm up. Avoid drinking large quantities of sugary solutions like juice and pop; they may draw more fluid into the intestine and make the diarrhea worse. Do not use the antibiotics if you have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Continue to take the antibiotic as directed and finish the prescribed course, even if you feel better (unless you develop an allergic reaction i.e. hives). Consult a health care provider if symptoms continue for several days despite treatment measures.
Travelers should be aware of the danger signs of diarrhea including continued bloody diarrhea, severe vomiting or failure to improve after 24 hours of antibiotic therapy. A post-travel checkup, including stool exam, is advised for those who experienced diarrhea during their trip.
The Julia Church Health Center believes it is important to empower women with information about their bodies through knowledge and action.
THE HEALTH CENTER OFFERS EDUCATIONAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE FOLLOWING:
- health education
- routine gynecological exams, including Pap smears
- vaginal and urinary tract infections
- contraception
- emergency contraception
- diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
- pregnancy tests
- menstrual concerns
Contact Us
Please contact the Health Center if you are in need of assistance, our staff is here to help. We can be reached during regular office hours at 330.569.5418. Please leave a detailed message and we will return your call or email us at healthcenter@hiram.edu.