Acute care for Illnesses and Injuries

 Acute care is available for problems such as sore throat, cough, rash, stomach upset, and much more. We can also help with evaluation and treatment of more chronic problems including asthma, diabetes, and headaches.  Evaluation and treatment for injuries including breaks, sprains, lacerations, and concussions is done at the Health Center.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Problems

Services are provided by the medical and counseling staff for students with concerns about their own or others' alcohol or drug use. This is confidential, nonjudgmental and includes consultation, referral and education. For more resources go to http://www.factsontap.org.  Want to quit your tobacco habit? You can find stop smoking aids and information at the Health Center. Whether you inhale or chew a good time to quit is now. For other resources, go to http://www.quitline.com.

Emotional Health

 Students with depression or other mental health concerns such as anxiety and panic attacks can receive care at the Health Center. Often care is coordinated with the Counseling Center. Students can initiate service at either location. Get more information about mental health problems at the National Institute of Mental Health and from Healthy Minds.

Eating disorders are a common problem. It is estimated that up to 20% of young women have unhealthy patterns of dieting, purging and binge-eating. Rates of binge-eating disorders are similar in women and men. If you are concerned about an eating disorder, help is available through the Health Center and the Counseling Center. The Women's Center is also a good resource. For more information, go to http://www.somethingfishy.org.

Attending a university is demanding and at times people have trouble dealing with their stress.  If you are feeling overwhelmed or finding it difficult to sleep, interact, or concentrate you may need assistance in reducing your stress.  The Health Center is one place to find help.

Sexual Health

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) consultation and testing is offered at the Health Center. Testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis is free.  There is a lab fee to test for some other infections.  Gonorrhea and chlamydia testing is performed with a urine test.  Yearly chlamydia screening is recommended for all sexually active women 25 and under, or for older women with risk factors such as new or multiple partners. It is recommended for any one with symptoms or who has a partner with symptoms. Most people infected with chlamydia have no symptoms. Testing for HIV, herpes, and syphilis can be done as well. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) testing is generally done by screening for abnormalities caused by the virus, such as a pap test. The ASHA website is a reliable source of STI information.  HIV testing is available. We supply pre and post-test counseling and safer sex information. More information about HIV/AIDS and other testing sites can be found at HIV test.

Wart Treatment

We offer quick, effective treatment for warts with liquid nitrogen.  This includes warts on hands, fingers, skin, as well as genital warts.  There is a nominal fee for this service.

Routine Check-Ups for Men and Women

We offer routine men's health services, including general checkup, nutrition and exercise counseling, and sexually-transmitted infection screening.  The Health Center offers a wide range of women's health services, including routine gynecological exams and pap smears, birth control, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, nutrition and exercise counseling, and sexually-transmitted infection screening.

Gynecological exams are offered in a friendly, respectful atmosphere, great for first-timers and veterans alike. These visits include a pelvic exam and pap smear, a breast exam, and discussions on healthy lifestyle, birth control and sexually-transmitted infections. It is recommended that women start having pap smears at age 21. Frequency depends on age and risk factors.   There is no fee for an office visit for a gynecological exam.  There are, however, varying laboratory fees for the pap test and sexually-transmitted disease screening. 

Physical examinations general purposes, sports, study abroad, school and employment are offered at the Health Center. There is no charge for a general physical examination, checkup, or "well adult" visit.  There is an administrative and provider fee for physical exams required for administrative purposes (Those which require paperwork for another organization, school, or program.  These include examinations for sports, school, study abroad, and employment.)

Reproductive Health

Birth control consultations and low-cost prescriptions for birth control pills are available. Many birth control pills are available from our on-site pharmacy.  We are happy to help each student discuss birth control options and methods.  Partners are welcome (and encouraged) to be present. Students who are currently using a birth control method can schedule a visit if they would like to obtain their birth control through the Health Center. Emergency contraception is available, as well as condoms (at no charge). For general information about birth control, go to http://www.ppww.orgThe Health Center is one place to find help. 

Emergency contraception is a way to reduce the risk of pregnancy after having unprotected sex (sex without birth control or when a birth control method fails--broken condom, missed pills, etc.). It is for emergencies and not for regular use. Plan B is one form of emergency contraception. If the unprotected sex occurred within the past 5 days Plan B can reduce the chance of pregnancy. It is not 100% effective and best if used as soon as possible. It is available at no cost at the Health Center. Additional information about emergency contraception and other possible sources can be found http://www.not-2-late.com. 

Pregnancy testing is available. It can be done 2-3 days after a missed period, but it is more accurate if done after several days. It is more accurate if done on the first urine of the morning. Options counseling is offered with appropriate referrals if needed.

Travel Health

We have information and recommendations for international travel health. We perform pre-travel physical examinations, provide immunizations and medications, and evaluate post-travel health concerns. For more information check the Travel Health.

Services for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning Students

The Health Center provides a safe and welcoming environment for students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or questioning their sexual orientation.  We offer confidential discussion about physical, sexual and emotional health as it relates to sexual orientation.  We also offer specifically-tailored sexually-transmitted disease and HIV screening and general check up for students of varying sexual orientation and sexual identity.  The Health Center collaborates with on-and off-campus resources to provide sensitive, confidential, and high-quality care for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning students.

Medications and Immunization

A variety of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplies are available at the Health Center at reasonable prices. Prescriptions can also be written to be filled elsewhere. We always offer free cough drops, acetaminophen (Tylenol), antacids, and band-aids.

A large variety of immunizations can be obtained at the Health Center. A record of two MMRs (measles-mumps-rubella) is required for attendance at PLU. A full selection of travel immunizations is available following consultation with a provider. Flu shot clinics are held every fall. Gardasil is offered for women under the age of 19. A list of community resources is available for older women.

We perform some laboratory tests at the Health Center including pregnancy tests, urinalysis and strep testing. Most other tests can be done through our reference laboratory. Tests requested by outside providers can be done with the appropriate order form.