Medical Information

You are not required, but are strongly encouraged, to disclose any chronic medical conditions. This means sharing information about medication requirements, allergies, and other long-term health issues. e.g. asthma, migraines, diabetes, etc. with your site leaders and learning partner. By disclosing medical conditions, you can help prepare AWOL leaders and peers to best support you if you need medical attention while on your alternative break.

Mental health concerns are on the rise for many demographics, including students. We want to make sure all participants are mentally prepared to handle the structure of an alternative break. All students participating in an alternative break will be required to complete the Health Information Form with their physician or a health care provider. Many people have situations in their life that they think are under control; this may be true when you are in your comfort zone (your familiar environment). Unfortunately, when we are outside of our comfort zone (in an unfamiliar environment), items we think are under control can be triggered and cause distress. You must discuss your history and suitability for traveling with AWOL during the travel health physical. Each group is different, but AWOL often collaborates with communities that are unfamiliar to many of the participants. There is the potential you will experience significant differences in racial majorities and minorities and witness disparities in the economic health and general quality of life in those communities. This is particularly the case if your community partners are in inner-city neighborhoods.

You will also be spending long hours with your group members and, in general, will have little personal space. Most groups stay in housing that is similar to being at a camp where everyone sleeps in a shared space such as a large social room of a church. Participants frequently sleep on the floor using their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow. Meals are shared; allergies and food restrictions are considered for meal planning, however, participants that have more selective diets may not be guaranteed the same foods they eat independently.

Travel health physical: USD Student Health at Sanford Clinic in Vermillion currently charges $25 for this service; please check the USD student health website for more information. Fill out the form, take it with you to the appointment, and ask them to follow the instructions are on the form for fax it back.