How Student Health Services at UPenn are Keeping Students Healthy during a Pandemic

Student Health Services at UPenn Keeping Students Healthy during a Pandemic

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges and universities have had to find innovative ways to keep their students safe and healthy. At the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), the Student Health Service (SHS) has been at the forefront of this effort.

Background

SHS is a comprehensive health and wellness organization at UPenn that offers a wide range of medical, mental health, and wellness services to registered students. During the pandemic, the SHS has had to modify its services and operations to meet the unique challenges posed by COVID-19.

Services Offered by SHS

Despite the pandemic, SHS has continued to offer a diverse range of services to UPenn students, including:

Testing and Contact Tracing

SHS offers COVID-19 testing to all UPenn students who exhibit symptoms of the virus, have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus, or who are required to get tested as a result of the university’s testing protocols. The SHS also conducts contact tracing to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Telehealth Appointments

To limit the spread of the virus, SHS has transitioned to a telehealth model for most non-emergency medical appointments. This means that students can schedule appointments with healthcare providers and receive medical advice and treatment remotely.

Mental Health Services

The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many college students. To address this issue, SHS offers a range of mental health services, including individual counseling, group therapy, and psychiatric evaluations. Most of these services are available via telehealth.

Operational Changes Made by SHS

In addition to modifying its services, SHS has also made a number of operational changes to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

Social Distancing and Masking

SHS has implemented social distancing measures in its waiting rooms and exam rooms, and all students and staff are required to wear masks while on SHS premises.

Reduced Hours and Capacity

To limit student exposure to the virus, SHS has reduced its operating hours and has limited the number of students that can be seen at any given time.

Enhanced Cleaning Protocols

SHS has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols to ensure that all surfaces and equipment are thoroughly disinfected between patients.

The Results

Thanks to these changes and modifications, SHS has been able to deliver high-quality medical and mental health services to UPenn students while keeping them safe and healthy during the pandemic. The university has reported a low number of COVID-19 cases among its student population, and students have praised SHS for its responsiveness and effectiveness in combating the virus.

Conclusion

The pandemic has presented many challenges to higher education institutions, but UPenn’s SHS has risen to the occasion. By offering a wide range of medical and mental health services and implementing effective safety measures, SHS has played a crucial role in keeping UPenn’s student population healthy and COVID-free.

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