Center for Student Health and Counseling at Portland State University

Current News & Events

Are you Prepared to Survive Hiking in the Backcountry?

Come find out from Terry Campbell, Portland Mountain Rescue board member! Topics will include: backcountry preparation, 10 essentials for backcountry hiking, safety tips and Q & A. This workshop will be May 13, 2008 at 7 p.m. in SMSU room 47. This event is sponsored by SHAC and the PSU Outdoor Program.

Eye Exam Spring Special!

Broadway Vision World (located in the Broadway Building on campus) is offering a spring special. $59 for a complete eye exam, frame and lenses. The special runs through the end of May. For more information call 503-223-6655 or visit their website at www.bvweyes.com.

Change in SHAC's No-Show and Cancellation Policies

If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment with Student Health Services or Counseling and Psychological Services, you are now to notify SHAC by the close of the business day prior to your appointment. If you fail to attend your scheduled appointment or fail to cancel according to the SHAC Cancellation Policy, your student account will be assessed a $25 Missed Appointment Fee. Night messaging is acceptable.

Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB)

Follow this link to learn more about SHAB and how they are helping SHAC meet PSU students' health needs.

Did You Know Your Full-Time or Part-Time Status Determines How You May Use SHAC?

FULL-TIME: Any full-time student taking 9 or more credit hours is automatically eligible to use SHAC services. This includes a Basic Insurance Plan (for further information see the Insurance Info portion of our website).
PART-TIME: Any student taking between 4-8 credit hours may voluntarily pay the $142 Student Health fee each term within the first four weeks of that term.
DROPPING CLASSES: If you drop below 9 credit hours AND do not voluntarily retain your Student Health Fee you will not be eligible for Services. If you drop down to 4-8 credit hours you may have your Student Health Fee reinstated within the first four weeks of the term by going to Cashiers in Neuberger Hall.
SELF-SUPPORT CLASSES: Many classes or credit hours at PSU are considered Self Support credits and are not assessed student fees. This will effect your eligibility to use SHAC services and insurance. Please be mindful when registering for classes of what might be Self-Support. To find out more about Self-Support classes, please click here.

Women's Health Community Events

Please click on this link to view a flyer listing all the upcoming Speaking of Women Events from the OHSU Center for Women's Health. All the lectures are free and open to the public. Check it out, there might be something coming up that you'd be interestd in!

SHAC Spring Groups

Challenged by life changes,school demands,relationships and/or family concerns? Consider joining a group. Click here to learn more about what types of groups are offered and how to join.

Drop-in Wellness Groups for Students of Color

The following wellness groups will take place in the EEPS Conferenc room; SMSU 425 - Spring quarter 2008.

Health & Nutrition Workshop: (led by SHAC nutritionist & nurse practitioner) 2:00-3:00 on Thursday, 4/17/08 and 3:00-4:00 on Wednesday, 5/21/08
Conquering Procrastination: 3:30 to 4:30 on Monday 4/21/08 and 3:00-4:00 on Thursday 5/15/08 .
Everyday Race Issues: 3:30 to 4:30 on Monday 4/28/08 and 3:00-4:00 on Thursday 5/8/08.
Q & A Session - Open Topic: Your opportunity to ask questions @ any topic (e.g., relationships, depression, alcohol, study skills) 3:00 to 4:00 on Thursday 5/1/08; and 3:30-4:30 on Monday 5/5/08.
Adjusting to School &/or a New Culture: All international and first generation students are welcome as well. 3:00 to 4:00 on Thursday 4/17/08 and 3:30 to 4:30 on Monday 5/19/08.

Cervical Cancer and the HPV Vaccination

Cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) and the FDA has approved a vaccine which may drastically reduce the risk of HPV infection and subsequent genital cancers. "The recently released vaccine, Gardasil, covers four strains of virus, another vaccine to be approved later this year, Cervarix, covers two strains of the virus. The approved vaccine is for females 9-26 years old.

The vaccine with subtypes 16 and 18 cover 70% of the cervical cancer causing types of HPV. The vaccines that contain types 6 and 11 will cover 90% of the HPV types responsible for external genital warts. Pap smears are still needed to screen for cervical cancer. The role of the vaccine for women who have already had abnormal pap smears is still unclear.

While this vaccine is promising, it's unclear whether patients will need a booster in 5-10 years. So far, no serious reactions have been observed with the Gardasil vaccine. It may be prudent to see what is learned in the first year after release of the vaccine to the general population.

Gardasil is offered as a series of 3 injections (given at 0, 2 and 6 months) and is currently available at SHAC for $133.75 (subject to change) per injection, which will be billed to your PSU student account. If you are interested in obtaining the vaccination, or have more questions, please make an appointment at SHAC with a health care provider by calling our main clinic line at 503-725-2800.