Category: News

Fentanyl Advisory 6/1

Anyone who has access to drugs that are not prescribed to them, and not directly dispensed to them through a pharmacy, should be advised to have Narcan, also known as naloxone, available and test any drugs for fentanyl.  

  • Be wary of counterfeit pills obtained through acquaintance/social media purchase.
  • Assume that all non-prescribed substances contain fentanyl.
  • Always have Narcan in case of an overdose.
  • Never use alone (friends can save your life!).
  • Test your drugs for fentanyl using fentanyl test strips.
  • Start low and go slow (watch and wait before using more).
  • Avoid dangerous combinations: fentanyl is especially dangerous when mixed with benzos such as Xanax and Klonopin, but mixing it unknowingly other opiates such as heroin, Vicodin, or Oxycontin or even with alcohol can also lead to an overdose very quickly.

Narcan is a covered benefit of the USC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP/Aetna), Medi-Cal, and most other insurance plans and does not require a prescription. It can be obtained at USC Pharmacies and other retail pharmacies with a consultation with a pharmacist. Fentanyl testing strips are available at the USC Bookstores.

USC students can obtain no-cost kits containing both naloxone and testing strips through the Naloxone SC program run by graduate students in the USC School of Pharmacy.

USC Department of Public Safety’s first responders carry Narcan and are trained to administer it; the 24/7 emergency number is 213-740-4321 (UPC); 323-442-1000 (HSC)….Continue Reading Fentanyl Advisory 6/1

Health Advisory for Individuals at Higher Risk of Serious Cases of COVID-19

May 11, 2022—As COVID-19 cases nationally and in Los Angeles County continue to steadily increase in recent weeks, we are sharing the following information as a special advisory for individuals who may be at higher risk of serious symptoms of COVID-19. The best protection is to be up to date on vaccinations, including boosters when…Continue Reading Health Advisory for Individuals at Higher Risk of Serious Cases of COVID-19

Update on COVID-19 Procedures (5/2/22)

In keeping with the state and county’s revised definition of “close contact” (someone sharing the same indoor space for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) the university is revising its COVID-19 notification practices. This change is needed to ensure compliance with the new definition.

Beginning on Wednesday, May 4, all currently enrolled students and all university employees will receive a daily email message with an update on reported cases. A sample message is attached. The message contains a link to the daily report of cases, and instructions for individuals who believe that they have been in close contact with a positive individual….Continue Reading Update on COVID-19 Procedures (5/2/22)

Sarah Van Orman awarded Presidential Medallion for advancing USC’s values in the field of student health

  • Publication date April 21, 2022
  • Categories: News

Dr. Sarah Van Orman

After working in university health care for most of her professional career, Sarah Van Orman was well prepared for her role when she arrived at USC in 2017. Even so, the COVID-19 pandemic would put her and her department to the test.

With calm and perseverance, Van Orman has led USC Student Health throughout these difficulties, earning her a Presidential Medallion.

“To say that Student Health at USC has had a challenging five years is an understatement,” Van Orman said, “I am extremely proud of the staff at Student Health and their ability to be resilient through the unprecedented demands related to mental health and navigating a pandemic.”

“I am extremely proud of the staff at Student Health, their ability to be resilient, grow, and continue to enhance the care that we’re providing,” she said….Continue Reading Sarah Van Orman awarded Presidential Medallion for advancing USC’s values in the field of student health

Update to Health Officer Order for the control of COVID-19

4/15/22—Updated guidance from the LA County Dept. of Public Health removes the quarantine requirement for individuals who are asymptomatic after having had a close contact exposure to a positive case of COVID-19. Individuals who have had an exposure are required to wear a highly protective mask around others, especially indoors, for a total of 10…Continue Reading Update to Health Officer Order for the control of COVID-19

Checklist for Summer

  • Publication date April 15, 2022
  • Categories: News

As we near the end of the academic year, we would like to share some reminders to keep your health on track over the summer.
✅ Continuing Summer Health Care (available to all USC students, including May 2022 graduates). For students who are in Los Angeles for the summer (or will be in other regions of California, and would like to continue through Telehealth visits), signing up for the Summer Health Fee can provide you the same access to USC Student Health services that you have during the academic year.
✅ Health Insurance Continuity for Graduating Students. Your SHIP/Aetna coverage continues through August 14, 2022.
✅ Immunizations. Complete any outstanding immunization requirements.
✅ Safely discard drugs before you leave for the Summer.
✅ COVID-19 testing. Test before traveling, and don’t travel if you are sick.
☀️ Wear Sunscreen…Continue Reading Checklist for Summer

“Black Men Will” summit creates community support

  • Publication date April 7, 2022
  • Categories: Event, News

Organizers of the Black Men Will Summit Organizers of the USC “Black Men Will” Summit Event. April 1, 2022.The day-long USC “Black Men Will” summit event, conceptualized by Dr. Dakari Quimby, clinician in Counseling and Mental Health Services in Student Health, and assistant clinical professor in Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, was an opportunity to re-affirm belonging for Black men at USC, creating a space that supports mental well-being and community connection. The event was co-sponsored by the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs….Continue Reading “Black Men Will” summit creates community support

“Sexual Citizens” Discussion during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Throughout April, we will demonstrate our heartfelt commitment to empower survivors with activities that support their resilience, hope, and healing, and we encourage our community to learn more about this topic to increase awareness, prevention, and knowledge.
As we begin Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#usc_saam), we are writing to invite you to a public discussion framed around the concept of “sexual citizens.” The idea comes out of the most comprehensive study to date of sexual assault on campus conducted by the Sexual Health Initiative to Foster Transformation (SHIFT) at Columbia University. Columbia professors and authors of the groundbreaking book, “Sexual Citizens: Sex, Power and Assault on Campus,” Jennifer S. Hirsch and Shamus Khan will be on hand to share powerful insights from their work.

Trojan Check no longer required as of 4/4/22

As of April 4, 2022 (Monday), USC campuses will no longer require Trojan Check for access to campuses. Perimeter check at the UPC campus will be discontinued on that date. All faculty, staff, and students should continue to check their symptoms whenever coming to campus. The Trojan Check wellness assessment will remain available as a helpful tool to complete this. Read more about masking, second boosters, symptom checks, and testing.
…Continue Reading Trojan Check no longer required as of 4/4/22

Gender-Affirming Care: A Physician’s Perspective

  • Publication date March 30, 2022
  • Categories: News, Notes

Essay from Dr. Patty Pinanong: Today we celebrate the resilience and success of our gender diverse (trans+) community. Through allyship, the medical community would like to explore how to be a meaningful resource and source of support. When people think about seeing a health care provider, they may focus on an immediate issue.  At Student Health, this could be a tumble off a skateboard, an asthma attack, or other symptoms that might lead to a diagnosis and treatment. Yet patients are more than a collection of their anatomical parts.  As medical providers, we strive to see the whole person in front of us and support their journey to take charge of their health and wellness….Continue Reading Gender-Affirming Care: A Physician’s Perspective