Frequently Asked Questions

• Your Epi-pen (if you have one prescribed to you)
• Your health insurance card (and prescription card if applicable)
• Face masks or covering
• Hand sanitizer
• Cough/cold medication
• Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen
• Students with asthma please bring your own nebulizer and Pulse Oximeter with you if you have one. (We are able to give nebulizer treatments in Health Services).
• Allergy medications
• Prescription medications (Health Services does not store student medications)
• Birth Control/Condoms
• A small first aid kit
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen

*This list is meant to be a guide, not an all-inclusive packing list.

CDC Resources

• Everything you need to know about the flu illness, including symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Resources

• Learn about influenza and how to prevent and control the spread of disease.

CDC Resources

• About Respiratory Illnesses

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Resources

• Staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses

CDC Resources

• Sore Throat Basics

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Resources

• Fact sheet about Group A Streptococcal Disease

CDC Resources

• Sinus Infection Basics

CDC

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Resources

• Facts and resources about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Other Resources:

• www.plannedparenthood.org
• www.thebody.com
• www.bedsider.org

WSU Health Services

WSU Health Services offers information/education about STIs, comprehensive STI testing and treatment as well as Pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep) for HIV. Condoms are available for free. Please call 413-572-5415 to schedule an appointment. 

Tapestry Health

A community health clinic that offers services in sexual and reproductive healthcare, harm reduction, and food access and family nutrition. There are multiple locations in Western MA but not all services are provided at every location. For more information, please visit their website at tapestryhealth.org.

Baystate Brightwood Health Center

380 Plainfield St, Springfield, MA, 413-794-4458

Offers free or reduced cost STI testing and treatment by appt or walk-in. 

Planned Parenthood Western MA Health Center of Springfield

Planned Parenthood offers services focused on sexual and reproductive healthcare including birth control, preventive healthcare, STI testing, treatment and prevention, pregnancy testing and services including abortion, transgender hormone therapy and emergency contraception and more. Call 413-732-1620 for appt or visit their website for more information. 

CDC Resources

• About Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)

CDC Resources

•  Meningococcal disease about, symptoms, and risk factors

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Resources

• Fact sheet about meningococcal disease

CDC Resources

• About HIV

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Resources

• HIV information for the public

NaloxBoxes provide free access to Naloxone (Narcan), an overdose response tool. They are easy to use by anyone and contain Narcan Nasal Spray, CPR instructions, and information about the opioid crisis.

Key Points:

• Narcan is safe, effective, non-addictive, and available over the counter. It reverses opioid overdoses and causes no harm if administered during a non-opioid emergency.
• Harm-reduction tools like NaloxBoxes and fentanyl testing strips are increasingly used on college campuses. These tools help reduce the stigma around substance use disorders and encourage access to essential care.
• Training on Narcan use will be provided by Campus Health Services. Contact Kelly Palm at kpalm@westfield.ma.edu to host a session.
• NaloxBox locations include the Parenzo Gym, Commuter Café, Woodward Center, Dining Commons, Library, and South Parking Lot. These will be maintained by Campus Health Services and may expand as needed.
• The MA Good Samaritan Law protects individuals from prosecution when seeking help during an overdose.

For more information or assistance, visit helplinema.org, call 1-800-327-5050, or text 'HOPE' to 800327 or go to https://www.mass.gov/stop-an-overdose-with-naloxone.