Students at N.C. A&T will now be able to access free after-hour health coverage.
Students at N.C. A&T will now be able to access free after-hour health coverage.
Sebastian Health Care Center and UNC Health Link teamed together to offer registered nurses to assist students on the phone for medical advice. Health Link is offered at eight universities in North Carolina.
The solution was first sought after from the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Melanie Pierce.
A solution like HeathLink was looked into prior to the decision, but they could not find a reason to use it.
Sebastian Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to assist students with medical concerns.
After hours, students have gone to the emergency room where they have paid an excessive bill for conditions that are considered a “non-emergency problem.”
Freshman Jok rdan Leggett, a sports and leisure studies major from Dunn, N.C., thinks this service is a great idea.
“I think it is good because if something happens at night and I need help, this will be a good place to provide it. This is a service I will use if I need help.”
The service is only available for currently enrolled students. The nurses practice nationally recognized medical guidelines for their advice.
Advice will be given whether the students needs medical attention, antibiotics or can seek help the next day during Sebastian’s hours.
It also practices confidentiality by not discussing any information outside of Sebastian and taking minimal information when given.
Students cannot call on behalf of other students keeping up with confidentiality. Parents will not be offered any record unless the student is underage.
After the student has called, a record will be made to Sebastian so they can continue treatment with the student if necessary.
A mandatory follow-up will also be performed.
“This is the next best thing for students,” said Yvonne Parks, the nursing director. “Students may not know what to do. They feel like it’s an emergency and it may not be serious. If they had someone to call for advice or direct them, they could save money. Students run up bills because they are afraid. This gives them the accessibility for free.”
Executive director Linda Wilson agrees with Parks. “Healthlink is that support when we are not open. Sebastian’s goal is to meet the needs of our students and provide total heath care. Health link will help implement that goal.”
Students can call UNC HealthLink at (888) 267-3675 or the locally at (919) 966-3820.
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- Necole Jackson, Register Reporter