Health problems can appear at any time. And it is possible that students, who may have fewer conventional hours, need Advil or condoms late at night than between 9 and 5.
That's the idea behind the new vending machines available to students 24 hours a day through partnerships between USC Student Health and USC Pharmacy. Starting this semester, instead of snacks, the machine stores a variety of over-the-counter pharmaceutical products at its King Hall location.
Student access to health products: Product display.
Similar vending machines are on campuses such as the University of California, Davis and Stanford University. (Photo of USC / Gus Ruelas)
The machine, equipped with general health and reproductive products, was first proposed by students in the Government Student Bachelor as a way to make emergency contraception, such as Plan B, accessible to students after their campus pharmacy has been closed. Similar vending machines have emerged in recent years on Stanford University campuses and the University of California, Davis.
Important student access to health products.
"We think it's important for students to have 24-hour access to important resources such as contraception and Plan B," said Andie Wright, director of health affairs at USG.
Sarah Van Orman, medical director and vice president of the USC Student Health Association, immediately joined the meeting with USC after meeting with student leaders last spring. He and Kari Trotter Wall, director of the USC Pharmacy pharmacy and Pharmacy Health Center, agreed that students might also need a number of pharmaceutical items at odd times.
Starting last month, a "well-to-go" machine opened its doors to businesses with everything from ibuprofen and thermometers to pregnancy tests and emergency contraception.
"Students who may feel symptoms of a cold or need something as simple as Band-Aid in the middle of the night will have access to health care products," said Van Orman. "It is also important for students who choose to be sexually active have access to condoms and emergency contraception without obstacles.
"Having this available 24/7 on campus removes obstacles for them."
The USC Pharmacy maintains student access to health products.
USC Pharmacy staff will maintain the contents of the machine.
"From a pharmacy's point of view, we are happy to help take the option of selling to the USC student population," said Trotter Wall. "We know that student time is very valuable and we always try to help them with their health needs efficiently."
This machine is located in the lobby of King Hall, next to Starbucks at Café 84.
More stories about: Pharmacy, Student Life
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