The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

Student Health Center fee increase proves beneficial for SF State students

When was the last time you made an important phone call at 4 a.m.? While drunk dials and ordering a late-night pizza might be the only time you reach for the phone past midnight, what if you were experiencing a medical issue and wanted to talk to a medical professional?

Now, a group of students is lobbying for a fee increase to benefit SF State’s Student Health Center. The very fact that this increase is coming from the minds of students should be a clue as to the importance of the health center to campus life. Though Xpress usually denounces increases, this is one that everyone should be able to get behind.

If a fee increase is approved for the Student Health Center, such worries could be eliminated. Aside from saving counseling and psychological services, the $25 increase would fund services that are basic necessities for a viable, useful student health program. For example, a 24/7 advice line that students can call into and seek medical advice.

Anything that has the potential to benefit the physical wellness of students should take a high priority when it comes to funding. And while it doesn’t have to be at the top of the funding list, it is a little odd that something like the Student Health Center has gone eight years without a funding increase.

The center serves as an indispensable resource for students seeking low-cost health care. If you don’t have insurance or don’t qualify for the city’s Healthy San Francisco program, there aren’t many other options for care.

Even for those who might have access to health care, having an on-campus space to go and seek help for minor ailments is a precious resource. Being able to centralize education and minor medical services is a lifesaver when you can’t afford to miss class or have an important test on the horizon. Keeping the resources we have as well as expanding them can only have a positive impact.

President Robert A. Corrigan and California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed will soon be in the position of approving funding for things like free reproductive health care and increased psychological counseling. There is no good reason to stifle service that has such a tangible benefit to students on campus.

After having to endure fee increases for years, it’s telling that students are actually asking for an increase that could ironically help address some of the literal headaches that result from education expenses.

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The Student News Site of San Francisco State University
Student Health Center fee increase proves beneficial for SF State students