Alcohol intoxication can be a serious, potentially life threatening situation. Parton Health Center staff encourages students who have had too much to drink to come to the health center for care and observation.
Information about the care of intoxicated students is part of the confidential health record and not shared without the student's permission. Many students ask if the Dean of Students Affairs office is notified when a student comes to the health center for this type of care. We do not notify the Dean's office of a student's admission unless the student's life is in danger. If a student is brought to the health center by a friend or comes themselves, the Dean's office is not notified. If the Department of Public Safety bring a student to the health center the student's name becomes part of Security's log that is shared with the Dean of Students Affairs.
When a student comes to Parton Health Center she/he will be evaluated by a nurse. This evaluation may include a neurological screening, evaluation for level of consciousness and respiratory status, check for injuries, and vital signs. The student may be asked to give an Alcosensor reading to determine the level of intoxication.
Parton Health Center has two inpatient beds and one observation bed. If the nurse determines that the student should be observed, she/he is admitted if there is a bed available. If there is not a bed available, the nurse will develop a plan that will provide the student with safe care until she/he is sober. If the student's level of intoxication requires medical treatment he/she will be transported to Porter Hospital for care at the emergency department. Severely intoxicated students are occasionally admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation.
All students admitted to Parton Health Center or Porter Hospital for intoxication will receive a call from a health center nurse following their discharge. The student is expected to meet with the nurse to discuss the incident. This meeting is not meant to be punitive, but a forum to discuss the issues that led to the admission, provide information, support and referral if requested. Students who have three alcohol related injuries or illnesses will receive the same follow-up.