Whether a cough, sneeze, sniffle or sprained ankle, the luxury of having a Simpson-sponsored clinic visit is now a thing of the past. But before the multitude of negative outcomes is discussed, it’s necessary to at least address the ways Simpson’s administration has positively dealt with the new realm of student health care services.

First of all, the administration deserves credit for taking the steps of hiring extra staff to address more health issues of the student body, both physical and mental. With RN Rita Audlehelm already on staff and one full-time and one part-time counselor on board to address mental health issues, there is at least hope that students will be looked after.

As far as clinic visits are concerned, the statistics clearly show that a number of students won’t be all that affected by the college no longer carrying the cost, since many have their own insurance and can handle the visits without the college’s help. Additionally, the cost to the college for paying for the visits was fairly steep.

Still, there are aspects of the change that appear to hit below the belt. First, there is a percentage of students who don’t have health care coverage, so when an issue arises that the bulkier on-site health care staff can’t address, the student is left with the cost.

Also, the change was made without any apparent involvement of the student body in the decision-making process. Students deserved to at least be informed- if not involved- in evolving the current system, not just subjected to the change after the fact.

Still, it’s hard to give input for change when it’s not asked for. The best course of action now seems to be to just make sure you get your apple a day.