PARTON HEALTH CENTER
The Parton Health Center strives to meet the health needs of Middlebury College students as it pertains to fulfilling their academic and co-curricular pursuits, and to provide age-appropriate health education in a caring and sensitive manner.
HEALTH FORMS
A completed Middlebury College Health Form is required prior to course registration. Forms are due:
- July 1 for September matriculation
- October 31 for February matriculation
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
Middlebury College health services, comprised of Parton Health Center, Zug Sports Medicine Center and the Center for Counseling and Human Relations are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of students’ physical and mental health information. Such information includes records, appointments and conversations pertaining to physical and mental health. To provide treatment, coordinate care and assure quality, Parton Health Center, Zug Sports Medicine Center and the Center for Counseling and Human Relations may share your health information within its own staff and to those providing services on its behalf. If you are an intercollegiate athlete or on the crew or rugby team, the Sports Medicine Department may exchange information with Parton Health Center. The Center for Counseling and Human Relations will not share health information with the College’s other health services without written consent.
Ordinarily, no information of a personal nature is shared with others without the student’s consent. For this reason we urge students to share information with family members themselves. Exceptions are made when there is serious and imminent danger to the safety or health of the student or to the safety or health of others. In such cases, deans, parents or the Department of Public Safety may be notified.
An attempt is made to notify parents immediately if a student is unconscious, critically ill, seriously injured or about to undergo emergency surgery. In such situations Health Center personnel reserve the right to notify the deans. Some situations that arise where notification may be desirable are:
- Inpatient admission to Parton Health Center or hospital: All students are urged by the staff to contact their parents/guardians. Parton Health Center staff will request permission to notify the student’s Commons Dean.
- Any students raped or otherwise assaulted will be urged, in the interest of community safety, to report the occurrence to the Middlebury College Department of Public Safety, their Dean and the Dean of the College. Health Center staff will respect a student’s requests to report such occurrences without using the student’s name or other identifying information.
- When disclosure is otherwise required by federal, state or local law.
Please note: Middlebury College and Parton Health Center are not subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and therefore are not required to comply with the various federal regulations relating to the use and disclosure of health information. Middlebury College is, however, committed to protecting student privacy. This policy should not be interpreted as creating any contractual rights and Middlebury College reserves the right to make changes to this policy at any time without prior notice.
APPOINTMENT POLICY
Parton Health Center is open for appointments during our regular business hours of 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. The Health Center is staffed by a registered nurse 24-hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week during the academic year for telephone consultation, emergent health care needs and overnight infirmary care. The staff of Parton Health Center encourages every student to call ahead to schedule an appointment with a nurse, nurse practitioner or the doctor.
SELF-CARE
Each year, we find that many students in all grade levels arrive at college inadequately prepared to handle minor illnesses. In addition to good health hygiene practices,* use of some medications for symptomatic relief can oftentimes prevent simple symptoms from becoming more problematic. We strongly recommend that all students, particularly incoming first-year students, discuss personal care with their parents and understand how to use the following:
1. thermometer (bring one with you and know how to use it)
2. anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen or naproxen sodium)
3. pain relief medication such as acetaminophen
4. cough medicine such as guaifenesin
5. nasal spray decongestant (oxymetazoline, a.k.a Afrin)
6. nasal irrigation (a.k.a. Sinus Rinse)
* frequent hand washing, not touching your face or eyes, getting adequate rest, and avoiding academic (i.e. “cramming” or “all-nighters”), social, or athletic over-exertion, and considering a flu-shot in the late fall
VACCINES
Vermont law requires that all students submit an immunization record including proof of two measles or MMR vaccines prior to matriculation. This must be documented by your home health care provider. Though not required, the Center for Disease Control also recommends other vaccines for college students, including:
- Meningococcal vaccine,
- Hepatitis B vaccine series
- Polio vaccine (primary series),
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis (Tdap),
- Varicella vaccine: two doses for people 13 and older who have not had chickenpox,
- HPV vaccine for females
- Influenza vaccine (flu shot clinics are held each fall when vaccine is available)
Some students, including those who travel abroad will benefit from
- Hepatitis A vaccine series,
- Typhoid vaccine
- Other travel vaccines depend on destination and can be determined at a travel visit at the Health Center.
Due to the length of time some vaccine series require, we recommend that all students considering travel abroad also consider receiving the Hepatitis A vaccine series prior to matriculation.
MENTAL HEALTH
We encourage students who are experiencing psychological distress to talk with a counselor at the Center for Counseling and Human Relations at x5141.
During the hours when counseling is closed, you may call Parton Health Center at ext. 5135 to talk with a nurse. The health center is open 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. The nurse at the Health Center can provide support, make referrals to the College's counseling center or make connections with the Counseling Service of Addison County for immediate crisis intervention
PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS:
STUDENT INFORMATION REQUIREMENT
All Middlebury College Students Are Required to Develop and Enter a Personal Evacuation Plan
Middlebury College has expanded and updated its Emergency Plan to include the threat of severe illness, including pandemic flu. Because of the potential need for a quick response to an outbreak, individuals are the only people who can effectively plan for themselves. Starting with the fall 2007 semester, all Middlebury College students are required to develop and submit at least one Personal Evacuation Plan. Students will not be allowed to register for their second semester of classes until they have entered a plan which includes:
1. Student name, College I.D number, contact information.
2. Addresses of two personal evacuation locations, preferably in different cities and with one location within a reasonable driving distance of Middlebury, VT.
3. How the student will get to each destination.
4. Whether the student would be able and willing to provide transportation to other students, and if so, how many.
5. Whether the student would be able and willing to provide temporary housing to other students, and if so, how many.
Starting in the fall of 2007, the College will notify students through college email when a web link is available to enter the information. Though students will be able to update their personal plans at any time, subsequent notifications will only be sent to each incoming class.
The information will not be verified by the College but will be sent to every student’s parent and/ or guardian at the time the information is initially entered. A student will be able to change that information, but any changes will not be sent to parents or guardians.
While the College will require this only once during a student’s enrollment at Middlebury – and in future years typically during the student’s first semester – students will be able to update their plans at any time. Students will be responsible for notifying their families of any changes, and we strongly encourage students to inform anyone that they are dependent on for evacuation of their role in the plan.
For more information about Middlebury College’s response to Pandemic Flu, visit http://www.middlebury.edu/campuslife/services/health/fluresponse/.
MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE POLICY ON HIV INFECTION
The Middlebury College policy on HIV infection was revised in 1992 by the HIV Task Force, composed of Middlebury College students, staff, and faculty. The revised policy expresses a commitment to prevention of the disease through education, outlines services available in the campus community to individuals living with HIV, and sets guidelines for dealing with HIV-related issues. Copies of the policy are available to students at the Parton Health Center, the Commons offices and online on the Parton Health Center website.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL POLICY
Middlebury College is concerned about illegal drug use and alcohol abuse in our society and in our community. The College regards illegal drug use and alcohol abuse as serious problems that can affect the entire College community. Members of the Middlebury community must be aware of the College drug and alcohol policy, as well as pertinent local, state, and federal laws. It is also important that all members of our community know where help is available for those who need it.
The College campus is subject to local, state, and federal laws concerning the possession, use, distribution, and manufacture of drugs, including alcohol. Students must be aware of and abide by these laws or face the possibility of legal prosecution. Middlebury College opposes the use of illegal drugs and does not provide students with a haven from the law. The College will not inhibit the legal prosecution of any member of the College community who violates the local, state, or federal law. Law enforcement officers, when in possession of the proper documents, have a legal right to search any and all buildings on the campus without prior notice. The College also reserves the right to furnish the police with information regarding illegal activities.
For information specific to state and federal laws governing the illegal use, possession, and distribution of drugs and alcohol, see the Middlebury College publication Drugs, Alcohol and You (which is mailed each year to every student).
The College opposes the possession and use of prescription drugs by persons for purposes other than those prescribed by a licensed physician. Drugs other than those prescribed by a licensed physician for legitimate health purposes may not be used or stored on College property.
1. Students of Middlebury College are also subject to the College drug and alcohol policy rules and regulations while on College premises or College-related premises or when involved with off-campus, College-sponsored events or off-campus events sponsored by registered College organizations.
a. Illegal use of alcohol (underage drinking, open containers, possession of alcohol by a minor) will result in citations and penalties ranging from warning to expulsion.
b. Students found selling, manufacturing, or possessing drugs in amounts that indicate drug sales or distribution will face penalties ranging from suspension to expulsion from school.
c. Students or organizations found illegally selling, manufacturing, or distributing alcohol will face disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
d. Students using illegal drugs or in possession of amounts that appear to constitute "personal use" will face penalties ranging from warning to expulsion.
e. Possession of drug paraphernalia that has been used, whether at the time of confiscation or not, is against the law, and students who violate the law are subject to College discipline.
2. Involvement with or dependency upon drugs or excessive or illegal use of alcohol will be viewed by the College as a health concern, as well as a disciplinary matter. In these cases a drug/alcohol consultation or assessment may be required. In addition, in instances where a student's name occurs repeatedly in connection with a drug or alcohol problem, even though no concrete evidence or direct witness is involved, a dean will contact the student and meet with him or her. In these instances: (1) students may be encouraged or required to undergo a drug/alcohol assessment; (2) a student's parents or guardian may be notified of concerns about the student's drug or alcohol problem. In disciplinary situations and the situations of concern mentioned above, a student may be required to withdraw from the College until successful resolution of the problem is documented to the satisfaction of the College.
NESCAC Presidents' Statement on Abusive Drinking and Hazing
In addition to being partners in athletic competition, the 11 colleges and universities comprising the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) are united in efforts to provide safe environments in which students may mature intellectually and socially.
Recognizing that social life plays a role in the college experience, each campus has increased its efforts to encourage students to make responsible choices. Each school takes a strong stand against substance abuse, including alcohol. While the vast majority of students at NESCAC institutions who choose to drink alcohol do so responsibly, each school has disciplinary and educational programs in place for students who misuse alcohol and other substances.
Additionally, all of the conference schools expressly prohibit hazing.
NESCAC member institutions: Amherst College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, Colby College, Connecticut College, Hamilton College, Middlebury College, Trinity College, Tufts University, Wesleyan University, Williams College [Adopted 12/14/2000]
College Services: Information and Help
Center for Counseling and Human Relations, Extension 5141
Parton Health Center, Extension 5135
Students who are concerned about their own or a friend's use of alcohol and/or other drugs are encouraged to seek assistance through the College's Counseling and Human Relations Center or the Parton Health Center, both located in Centeno House. Professional staff are available when the health center is open to provide care and recommend treatment. Services provided by the Health Center and Counseling Center are confidential. Staff members of the Counseling and Human Relations Center and Parton Health Center provide supportive and educational counseling in addition to substance use evaluations, as time allows. Staff can help students to identify and understand the signs and behaviors associated with substance abuse, as well as treatment and support options. They also provide useful information for talking with a friend about the use of alcohol and other drugs. Also available is referral information about community resources, including private counselors, self-help groups, and comprehensive treatment facilities. Emergency medical treatment can be provided by the Health Center or Porter Hospital.
The director of health and wellness education provides educational materials for individuals and programs for the College community that address the many issues surrounding alcohol and drugs. The Office of Health and Wellness Education is also located in Centeno House. All first-year students are expected to participate in and complete the on-line course AlcoholEdu. Instructions will be mailed to incoming first-year students at their middlebury.edu e-mail address.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Adult Children of Alcoholics groups meet in Middlebury and welcome student participation. A listing of meeting times and locations is available from the Center for Counseling and Human Relations and the Parton Health Center.
Community Responsibility
Middlebury College believes that alcohol and other drug-related problems affect our entire community and that each of us has a responsibility to help safeguard the community health by respecting College policy and intervening in situations of abuse. Any member of the College community having knowledge of the possession or use of illegal drugs by an individual on campus is urged to talk with the person and encourage the individual who is using illegal drugs or abusing alcohol to seek counseling and/or medical assistance. As a community of scholars, we are committed to providing a safe learning environment for each other. All members of the community are expected to help protect the community health by informing appropriate College staff members of instances of drug distribution and/or sales.
SPORTS MEDICINE POLICY FOR INJURY EVALUATION AND TREATMENT
The College policy for services provided by the Sports Medicine Department, beginning September 1, 2000, is outlined below. The department will provide services to all students who are members (on an official roster) of College intercollegiate teams. It will also treat students who are candidates for intercollegiate teams beginning one month prior to the start of their competitive season. The department will also provide the same services, as described above, to students who are members of two club sports: rugby and crew. Students who fall outside these guidelines will need to seek care at the health center, Porter Hospital, or by a doctor of the student's choice.