As college students juggle demanding schedules consisting of academic pressure, athletics and jobs, it can be difficult to also manage health. Simpson’s Health Services works to ensure students don’t have to choose between their well-being and their busy lives.
Director of Health Services, Katie Lee, and Medical Director, Michelle Collette, have taken the lead of this partnership to provide low-cost care for students.
Simpson sophomore, Serymar Matias explained how accommodating the school’s health services are.
“My mom actually sat down with Katie Lee at the beginning of the year and said, ‘here is five pages of allergies for my daughter,’” Matias said. “Katie Lee walked through everything they offer; it was good that they sit down and tell parents these are the services that are available for their children.”
Simpson’s health services are funded through a small fee which goes towards students’ yearly tuition. Fulltime students pay $50, and part-time students pay $25. Health Services offer emergency care, free testing, medications, wellness programming and referrals to outside providers. They have also partnered with Hy-Vee to provide annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Lee explained the importance of these resources.
“I am a strong believer that students should use us as a resource because they’re already paying for it,” Lee said. “There will never be another time in their life where they will have such convenient access to mental and physical health for free.”
In addition to on-campus services, Simpson College partners with the Indianola Community Free Clinic to expand its access to care for students and local residents within Warren county.
The clinic operates Thursdays 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and offers walk-in appointments only at no cost. The clinic provides school and sports physicals, chronic disease management such as high blood pressure care, diabetes blood glucose testing, treatment for minor illnesses and injuries and limited adult immunizations.
Lee volunteers at the clinic, and helps to strengthen the partnership between the college and the community. Though, with these services, some days can be busy. For example, in August, many student athletes need their sports physicals.
“The free clinic is not going to say no, but I strongly encourage Simpson athletes to be mindful of their timeline,” Lee said. “If they are needing a physical so they can play their sport, please try to get that done early instead of last minute and work with health services too.”
Lee is trying to work through the clinic and school to decrease this stress in order to meet everyone’s needs in a timely manner.
Simpson’s health services help ensure students have the support and access they need. Since students already contribute to the service through their tuition, they are encouraged to take full advantage of the care available for them.
To set up an appointment to receive these services, students can contact Student Health through email to set up an appointment, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m..
