Reporter
CSU Bakersfield students have the Student Health Center, but most do not use this facility because the students are unaware of the services it offers. The Student Health Center does not accept health insurance, but their prices are affordable for the students.
Andrea Chavez, a senior, said, “If I knew exactly what they offered and the prices. I would definitely take advantage of this, because I currently don’t have health care.”
The Student Health Center offers basic services, which include HIV testing, X-rays, laboratory testing, birth control, health education programs and first aid treatment for emergencies on campus.
The Student Health Center, however, does not provide any emergency services or care for chronic or long-term injuries.
CSUB includes a campus fee for the Student Health Center in the student tuition. Students have to pay $296 per academic year even if they do not use the services from the Student Health Center.
“ We pay for the Student Health Center, and they don’t promote it on campus. Like as students, we sometimes don’t seek help or get tests done because we fear there will be expenses,” said freshman Israel Leana. “They should make the students more aware of the things they offer, prices, and be welcoming. Right now, students are left in the dark and don’t even know about the Student Health Center.”
There is also a pharmacy located in the Student Health Center which provides medicine to students at a very low price and can refer students out if the pharmacy does not carry a medication.
Sophomore Viviane Ferrel said, “The Student Health Center pharmacy was cool, and everyone there was friendly.”
The Student Health Center offers green cards to students who need them. The student can just go in and fill out a brief application at the first desk. This green card will cover all reproductive and family-planning needs.
The Student Health Center takes walk-in and scheduled appointments. They are open Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm with the exception of their staff meeting, which is the first Thursday of the month from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
