Embedded Files
Building community together, through empathy and empowerment.
We understand the importance of mental and physical wellness and the need for easy-to-access resources to better these aspects of our lives. To help continue the work on achieving adequate access to these resources on campus we intend to work in tandem with the William & Mary Wellness Center to improve existing programs and introduce new resources.
Greater telehealth options offered by the Counseling Center and Student Health Center
Greater telehealth options offered by the Counseling Center and Student Health Center
Overview & Background
All counseling and health services should be easily accessible without an extended delay. While acknowledging the lack of resources and staff for our campus' demand, alternative solutions should be explored to ensure care for students. Currently, the university recommends "Healthiest You Telehealth" services which is accepted by school-sponsored and other major insurance carriers. This option or a comparable service should be widely available for long-term care.
Implementation & Action Items
Our administration would advocate for the expansion of telehealth appointments, either through existing partnerships or new services that allow for greater access to appointments.
Sources:
https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/healthcenter/afterhourscare/index.php
Advocate for the Student Health Center to accept non-university sponsored insurance plans
Advocate for the Student Health Center to accept non-university sponsored insurance plans
Overview & Background
"We will provide the student with a detailed, itemized receipt for Student Health Center charges for your reimbursement purposes. The Student Health Center does not accept any private health insurance plans nor do the medical providers participate with any insurance networks or groups. Please note, your private health insurance will likely process your request for reimbursement of SHC charges as an out-of-network claim."
We believe that the SHC should work towards becoming an in-network provider to allow for easier access of care without the additional barriers of submitting reimbursements or running the risk of not being covered at all.
Implementation & Action Items
While acknowledging the complexities and limitations that the SHC may have on this topic, we would advocate and engage stakeholders on ensuring accessible healthcare for all students.
Sources:
https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/healthcenter/appointments/fees-and-charges/index.php
Introduction of SANE Nurses advocates in the Student Health Center
Introduction of SANE Nurses advocates in the Student Health Center
Overview & Background
Currently, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are dispatched from Riverside Doctor's Hospital in Williamsburg for collection of Physical Evidence Recovery Kits. We believe that it would be beneficial to have on-campus care and have trauma-informed providers within our community for greater comprehensive follow up care for survivors.
Sources:
Transportation subsidies for off-campus health appointments
Transportation subsidies for off-campus health appointments
Overview & Background
William & Mary currently offers taxi subsidies for off-campus mental health appointments through the TribeRides initiative. We believe that this program should be expanded all health-related appointments and with partnerships with Lyft and Uber for greater connivence and access.
Purpose & Action Items
We will work with campus offices to advocate for the expansion of this program and providing supplemental funding as necessary. There should be more outreach and advertisement of the current program immediately to expose students to this resource.
Sources:
https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/ohp/general-wellness/triberides/index.php
Expanded group therapy options in the Counseling Center
Expanded group therapy options in the Counseling Center
Overview & Background
Current group counseling options at William & Mary include: ADD/ADHD Focus Group, Anxiety Group, Essential Insight (DBT group), Understanding Self & Others, Body Image and Eating Concerns, Women's Understanding Self & Others, Journey (Trauma group). We would advocate for an expansion of these groups to other diverse populations including: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, First Generation Low Income, etc.
Purpose & Action Items
We will work with the Counseling Center to administer surveys to identify group topics of interest. We want to create safe spaces for these populations with professional counselors, an opportunity otherwise unavailable.
Sources:
Greater professional development and hiring for diverse populations for the Counseling and Health Center Staff
Greater professional development and hiring for diverse populations for the Counseling and Health Center Staff
Overview & Background
We believe all students have the right to receive equitable by providers who are competent with special populations. Greater diversity with hiring and training allows for an expanded reach across campus. We would advocate for intentionality and student participation with hiring practices and continuous professional development for marginalized communities.
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