It’s spring. The bees are buzzing again. Trees are budding and plants are blooming. That’s the problem. Springtime allergies are here.
Most ETSU students will suffer through these symptoms as well as other ailments until the end of the semester when they retreat to their hometown physicians. However, help is closer and less expensive than most students think.
ETSU’s Student Health Clinic, which recently moved into the newly remodeled Roy S. Nicks Hall, is an open and free resource for students on campus with various medical issues. Almost 20 percent of ETSU students polled in an informal survey did not even know there was an available health clinic on campus.
“We really want to raise awareness of the clinic and its new location,” said Kristin O’Brien, health education coordinator.
The clinic, open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offers visits with registered nurses and nurse practitioners at no cost. “The only thing the students have to pay for is medication and any lab work that may need to be done,” O’Brien said, “and even then, it’s going to be cheaper than if you went to your own physician.”
If for any reason, a student is unable to pay for the medication or lab work at the time of the visit, they are allowed to arrange a payment plan with the clinic or use their ID Bucs card, O’Brien said. Students, however, must pay those fees to prevent holds on registration.
Allergy immunizations are one of the most popular reasons for appointments. “We won’t diagnose an allergy,” O’Brien said, “but we will give out the immunization if approved by the student’s allergy physician.”
One of the most used services is the Women’s Health Program. The women’s health services include assistance with family planning as well as distributing birth control.
“We are able to help girls with STDs, pregnancy, diet-plans and exercise programs,” O’Brien said. “They can also get their birth control two refills at a time.”
The promotion of Gardasil, a new vaccine that may help guard against diseases related with cervical cancer, is another service offered. “Girls can call in asking about Gardasil,” O’Brien said. “We can order it, and they can come in and get the shot within a few days.”
Students are advised to make same-day appointments with the clinic as early as possible to guarantee a time slot. “At 8 a.m., the phones are usually ringing off the hook,” O’Brien said. If that particular day is already booked, students may make appointments in advance for the following day.
Although the clinic can take care of many maladies and health concerns, “We do not treat long-term illnesses,” O’Brien said.
The clinic does have a referral list for students with medical problems beyond their care. “If we can’t help you,” O’Brien said, “we can find someone who can.”
For more information about ETSU’s Student Health Clinic or to make an appointment, call 439-4225.

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