Princeton University

At a school like Princeton, staying healthy, both physically and mentally, is key. Through an initiative known as Healthier Princeton, the University is taking an integrated approach to creating a campus environment that enhances the physical, psychological, and emotional health of undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty and staff. Just think about it: There’s nothing worse than coming down with the flu with 600 pages of reading and three papers due, or having a crisis in the middle of midterms. Luckily, the University offers a plethora of support services for every type of malady.

University Health Services (UHS), located in the McCosh Health Center (different from McCosh Hall), is your on-campus resource to meet your primary health care needs. The staff includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and technical and administrative staff members. Staff physicians have special expertise in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, family practice, internal medicine, sports medicine and preventive medicine. Special consultants provide services in gynecology, radiology, psychiatry and orthopedics. During the academic year, urgent care is provided on a 24-hour basis, except during winter recess, so call as soon as you suspect something’s wrong.

You know what they say about being prepared. As always, dial 911 to report emergencies. The University is committed to letting students and the campus community know how to respond to emergency situations through various means, and its Emergency Guidelines offer a good overview about matters such as accessing information and learning about and following safety procedures. The University also posts emergency advisories on its Emergency Preparedness page, including those related to health, security and weather. Being prepared helps everyone.

Sexual Health and Wellness Services is designed for students seeking information, health care or support concerning reproductive health, routine examinations, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, conception, contraception, menstrual problems, pregnancy diagnosis, pregnancy options counseling and referrals, or sexuality concerns. All students are welcome to use these services, and there is only a small fee for annual exams and contraception. The program offers education, counseling, and health care relating to sexual and reproductive health, including personal discussion and counseling. Services provide care for individuals and couples in an open, nonjudgmental atmosphere, and the professional staff is willing to discuss any concerns you may have.

Hours and appointments
The outpatient clinic on the first floor is open from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., except Tuesday, when hours are from 10:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The main number at UHS (8-3129) will connect you with a menu from which you can select the branch of health services you need. After-hours and weekend emergency health issues can be dealt with through Inpatient Services on the second floor (8-3139).

Hours and appointments
Visits to Sexual Health and Wellness are by appointment, except for emergencies. Any information about services and appointments is kept strictly confidential. This information is not available to family, friends or anyone in administration without your written authorization. You may call 8-5357 to make an appointment during office hours. After hours a message will tell you when you can call back.