Health Plan Board discussing future site options

The Health Plan Board, which was created to investigate the future options for the restructuring of Student Health has been searching for a new space to house the department.

Addressing the lack of space Student Health currently has to meet the health needs of students has been a top priority for the committee.

"The space needs are the primary need right now" said Medical Coordinator, Judith Appleton.

Last week the committee toured Fiske House, located on Woodland Road, and is considering it as a possible location. The committee is favoring Fiske House for its convenient location.

According to Appleton, the committee is trying to develop a realistic time schedule for the restructuring.

Once a new location is found, Appleton hopes the committee will address the issue of expanding the Student Health staff.

"I think eventually we will consider having more staffing in the area of a nurse practitioner" said Appleton.

Appleton also expressed an interest in the addition of a staff member who could train peer counselors in health education.

"Any health education started on campus by interested students have been the programs that have worked" she said, but felt the college could help by providing a staff member to help with training counselors.

Student Health reform became an issue last year when the results of a Student Senate survey showed much discontent for the quality of services provided.

Last Spring the college hired Richard Keeling of Health Advocates as an outside consultant to evaluate Oberlin's health services. Keeling made various recommendations for improvement, stating inadequate space as one of the major flaws.

While the department will likely be moved to a new location, Dean of Student Life and Services, Charlene Cole-Newkirk maintains that Student Health will continue to work in conjunction with the Oberlin Clinic.