Have you ever wondered how sick you have to be before you forgo the Amelia T. Wood Student Health Center in favor of the emergency room?
Many students have had to make this decision — or have someone make the decision for them.
About a year ago, senior Alicia Batchelder was working at the Atrium food court when she had a seizure. Her supervisor sent her to the Health Center to be checked out, but the doctor there sent her to the emergency room almost immediately.
Although the wait at the ER took a long time, the experience was positive for her because the medical staff seemed more concerned, she said.
"Sometimes at the Health Center you feel like you're just another student," Batchelder said.
Health Center Medical Director Kent Bullis said there are very simple guidelines for when you should go to the ER: If an ambulance must be called or the person is experiencing severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding or is drowsy or confused, he or she should go right to the emergency room.
One of the bigger obstacles to overcome at the Health Center is the hours; after all, students don't necessarily get sick during posted hours.
Bullis said he would like to see the hours extended, but that would mean costs would go up. He said it's an issue that has been discussed numerous times during his 10 years as director. On Monday, Thursday and Friday, the center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and it is open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. These haven't changed in nearly seven years.
"In the next three to five years, when the economy starts to rebound, the hours will increase," Bullis said. "To remain competitive in the coming years, the Health Center will need to expand hours."
Batchelder added that extended hours would be preferable or having someone on call for student emergency illnesses would be helpful.
Additionally, some students get annoyed that they have to pay fees for use of the center even if they never go.
"The Health Center is funded by Health Center fees, which creates a lot of frustration among those students who never use us," Bullis said. "[But] those students who do use us are extraordinary grateful they have this resource here to use."
I haven't had to go to the Health Center yet during my first year at Ball State University and hopefully never will need to, but having it available is useful. And for students who don't have health insurance, the Health Center is their only option.
You know your own body and when something is seriously wrong. Whether the Health Center is open, get yourself checked somewhere.
It's better to be a little too cautious when it comes to your health.
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