Florida A&M University Student Health Services, better known as the clinic, is available for the treatment of minor illnesses or injuries associated with a rigorous campus atmosphere.
At the clinic, students receive a wide array of services from Tylenol to relieve minor aches and pains to stress management said Dr. Shankar A. Shetty, director of Student Health Services. “Sometimes we see 100 students a day,” said Shetty, director since 1985. “But some students don’t know where (the clinic is) at all.”
FAMU Student Health Services is located in suite 126 of the Foote-Hilyer Administration Center.
Students say that the fees at the clinic are far more exorbitant than necessary.
Dwayne Mitchell, a senior biology student from Orlando, said he visited the clinic once since it is already included in his tuition.
“It was kind of expensive,” the 22-year-old said, “and all I wanted was a check-up.”
Mitchell was under the impression that his visits and services would be covered by the health fee that he and other students pay every semester.
Shetty said, “We are an independent organization. We do not get money from any (outside sources) and we are not publicly funded. (The students’) health fee maintains this operation,” he said. “Any extra fees are for laboratory costs and pharmaceutical services.”
Brittni Jones, a graduate biology student from Bridgewater, N.J., said that her visits to the clinic were pleasant.
“My doctor was very nice,” Jones said.
She said if she hadn’t worked at the local health department, she would have no problem frequenting the campus clinic because of its convenient proximity. “You can go pick up your sinus medication between classes and not even have to drive,” Jones said.
According to SHS, the clinic offers a variety of services that are completely free of charge for the convenience of students.
The clinic offers free consultations, free condoms, and even HIV tests are free several times a year (they usually cost $30).
Shetty also wants to make students aware of the wellness center located on campus. The wellness center offers free video screenings and information about health care, stress management, diet, exercise and more – all free of charge.
Student Health Services is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a limited staff from noon to 1 p.m. The housing department also has emergency contact information for weekend visits.
For more information about services, insurance or other inquiries related to FAMU Student Health Services call 599-3777.
Contact Stankeisha Burchell at Stankeisha1.Burchell.com