Dear students,
As I shared last week, our semester is off to a strong start with many indications that COVID-19 and other illnesses, while still present, remain manageable. You have heard this a million times but it bears repeating: stay up to date on your vaccinations, stay home when sick, and follow good prevention practices, including carrying a mask and washing your hands. Do not hesitate to contact UHS for any care guidance.
I also want to mention available mental health resources. Wintertime is known for its challenges, from cold weather and gray skies to intense coursework with little space for breaks. And particularly following tragedies like those occurring recently in California, stress and anxiety can impact our daily lives.
Our Well-being Collective has compiled resources just for you and I highly encourage everyone to review them. Even if you may not currently need these resources, being aware of these tools can help you when those moments may arise, whether for you personally or for someone you care about. No one should suffer in silence–our community is here and ready to help.
Stay healthy, Wolverines,
Robert D. Ernst, M.D.
Chief Health Officer
Associate Vice President of Student Life
Executive Director of University Health Service
Don’t miss your shot!
If you have not yet received your flu shot or latest COVID-19 booster, it’s not too late. There is one more pop-up clinic today! Vaccines are free, safe, and effective.
Need Health Insurance?
The University of Michigan encourages all students to have health insurance, which is an important resource for your well-being and peace of mind. The U-M Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan (DSHIP) provides coverage for domestic students through Blue Care Network of Michigan (BCN). This plan has generous benefits at a very reasonable cost. Learn more at UHS. The deadline for purchase for the winter semester is Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Heart Health Awareness: Free Drop-in CPR/AED Training
The CDC has designated February as American Heart Month. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Stop by to learn more at these upcoming drop-in sessions.
Friday, February 10
11am-2pm
Shapiro Library-Bert’s Study Lounge
Monday, February 20
6-7pm
Crisler Center Concourse
Right before U-M Women’s Basketball takes on OSU
Location Changes to the Community Sampling and Tracking Program
The Palmer COVID-19 testing location for the Community Sampling and Tracking Program, or CSTP, will be closed after Friday, February 3. Sites at Ross and Pierpont Commons will continue to be open and offer free and fast asymptomatic COVID-19 PCR tests. You can sign up for these tests online. CSTP sites also offer N-95 and KN-95 masks, and rapid antigen tests. Stop by any time during open hours to pick these up–you do not need an appointment. Don’t forget: Symptomatic testing can be done through UHS.
UHS Eye Care Clinic: A one-stop shop for your eye care needs
Did you know UHS has an eye care clinic? The UHS Eye Care Clinic and Optical Shop has three highly trained optometrists who can help you with routine vision exams or urgent vision problems. You can also order contact lenses or try on and order frames through the optical shop. And they take insurance!