Dear students,

I hope your 2025 is off to a strong start. You surely have heard the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” but when it comes to public health, that rings especially true.

Understanding the wide range of resources provided by the university is important as you prioritize your well-being. Here are a few helpful reminders: 

  • It is still not too late: get your updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations by making an appointment at the health service.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing or eating food, after using the bathroom, and after contact with high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs. Especially with stomach bugs (officially known as norovirus) on the rise, good hand hygiene can make all the difference in your personal protection.
  • Find the closest health and wellness vending machine to you. Located across campus, these machines offer affordable personal care products, including emergency contraception for $10, over-the-counter birth control packs (aka “the Opill”) for $18, condoms, pain relievers, and more.
  • Consider wellness coaching through Wolverine Wellness. This is a guided reflection with a trained coach who helps you optimize your well-being based on your personal goals and values.
  • Physical activity can strengthen your immune system and your mental health, too. Sign up for an Intramural Sports team or Group-X classes this semester.
  • Take the time to understand your health insurance coverage. If you need health insurance, consider the Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan, available through January 31, 2025, for coverage dates January 1, 2025 through August 23, 2025. (And remember your health service fee covers most services at the health service but not at urgent care clinics or hospitals.)
  • With particularly cold weather on the horizon, make sure you dress properly when you go outside. The CDC has good advice on how to avoid, spot, and treat frostbite and hypothermia.

Stay healthy, Wolverines,

Robert D. Ernst, M.D.
Chief Health Officer
Associate Vice President for Health and Wellness in Student Life

Health & Wellness Updates

35th Annual Health Sciences MLK Lecture
Register now for the 35th Annual Health Sciences MLK Lecture on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at Kahn Auditorium (BSRB) or via livestream, featuring keynote speaker Dr. David R. Williams, renowned public health scholar. Explore how health sciences can advance health equity and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy.

UHC Student Advisory Board: Calling New Members!
Led by University Health & Counseling Executive Director Lindsey Mortenson and Associate Director Markie Silverman, this group allows students to share their perspectives and ideas, and partner on student-informed health and wellness projects. The next meeting is this Friday, January 17 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. in the Pond Room in the Michigan Union. Complete this interest form now to RSVP. 

Let’s Talk: Informal and Confidential Drop-in Counseling
Trained mental health counselors are now available for drop-in conversations at different times and locations across campus, including at Trotter, the Spectrum Center, South Quad, the International Center, and Bursley. Learn more and see the schedule to find a session near you.

Big Heart Blood Battle goes until February 28
Donate and you will receive a free Big Heart shirt and a Washtenaw Dairy coupon while supplies last. Additionally, until January 26, donate to be automatically entered in a raffle to win a trip to Super Bowl LVIII, or donate between January 27 and February 28 to receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice. 

Share Your Feedback: U-M’s Religious and Spiritual Work Survey 
Complete this survey by noon on Monday, January 20, to help campus leaders name the university’s work encompassing religious and spiritual programs, services, and spaces. The university is expanding and unifying these resources and is seeking a new name to match this work’s importance to a welcoming, inclusive campus community.  

Well-being Toolkit Highlight: Financial Aid Toolkit
Take charge of your financial well-being. Check out this toolkit from the Office of Financial Aid which offers resources for returning and incoming students.

Take Care: Democracy, Art & Healing
On January 30 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at UMMA, participate in an unforgettable evening with four trailblazing women in the arts, each bringing their own unique vision on how art can heal our society—on a national, community, and personal level.