Take care of you, with support from Columbia Health

The below message was sent to all Morningside and Manhattanville students on Friday, January 26, 2024.

Dear Students,

As the new year and a new term starts amid challenging times for many in our community, I write to offer a reminder of the support available from Columbia Health, be it through mental health support or well-being conversations, to help you do your best both inside and outside the classroom.

PUBLIC HEALTH REMINDERS
At the start of 2024, we are seeing sharp increases in respiratory virus infections such as influenza and COVID-19, in part driven by an emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant. Per New York state recommendations, all Columbia Health offices are mask-required (please request one from a staff member if you need).

If you haven’t yet, get the flu shot and an updated COVID-19 booster and continue to practice essential prevention measures, including wearing a mask in crowded spaces and crucially, staying home if you are sick, including staying home from classes.

HOW TO GET CARE

• Make same-day virtual or in-person appointments with Medical Services on the Patient Portal. If you aren’t feeling well and would like to speak with a clinical provider that day, call 212-854-7426.
• To get started at Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), make a treatment planning appointment session on the Patient Portal or call 212-854-2878. You can join a virtual support space or drop-in to discuss an everyday life concern or urgent mental health concern.
• To talk to Alice! Health Promotion about your health and well-being questions, sign up for health education or drop-in. For sexual health concerns such as HIV/STI testing, birth control options, LGBTQ+ care, and PrEP & PEP, check out virtual drop-in hours. For peer support to plan and achieve your personal well-being goals, sign up for Wellness Coaching. Not sure what you need? Sign up or drop in for help navigating resources.
• Reach out to Sexual Violence Response (SVR) advocates 24/7 at 212-854-4357 if you or a loved one has experienced harassment, stalking, sexual assault, or other forms of gender or power-based violence.
• Register with Disability Services (DS) to request academic and campus accommodations.
• Find real time hours and all available virtual and in-person services from Columbia Health at health.columbia.edu.  

ENGAGE WITH YOUR WELL-BEING

• Sign up for a virtual well-being workshop on stress management, sleep, time management, responsible alcohol use, and helping a friend in distress.
• Get sweet treats, make cards, and talk consent and healthy relationships with SVR peer advocates at Lerner Ramps for Thriving Relationships Valentines, Wed. Feb. 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Learn the signs of opioid overdose and how to administer life-saving naloxone: register for an upcoming training (virtual or in person).

DEADLINES
Incoming new students:

• Confirm enrollment in health insurance and optional dental and vision insurance by Thu. Feb 15.
• Have your own health insurance? Submit a waiver request by Thu. Feb. 1.
• Learn how to maximize your health insurance benefits! Attend this 20-minute virtual workshop on Thu. Feb 15 at 2 p.m.

Continuing students:

• You can still enroll in the optional dental or vision insurance plan. Enroll by Thu. Feb. 15.
   

As you strive to engage with your courses and co-curricular activities, please remember to make your well-being a priority while managing the many challenges of this semester. Reach out for support, whether from Columbia Health, your peers, or advisors, because when you feel well, you'll do even better.

Be well,

Melanie Bernitz, M.D., M.P.H.
Senior Vice President, Columbia Health
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (in the Center for Family and Community Medicine)