Salisbury University students now have an option to remedy after-hours health issues thanks to a new 24-hour “Wellness to Go” vending machine in the Guerrieri Student Union.
“We hope the wellness vending machine allows students to get helpful items for their symptoms even when our office is closed,” said Lindsey Parker, director of SU Student Health Services, which will oversee the machine and its vending stock.
Pictured, from left, are Lindsey Parker, Student Health Services director; Dr. Dane Foust, vice president of student affairs; Megan Spicer, Student Government Association director of marketing and communications; Sammy Sea Gull; Christina Hargis, Student Health Services assistant director; and Dr. Valerie Randall-Lee, assistant vice president of student affairs and dean of students.
The initiative fulfills new state requirements for Maryland higher education institutions to improve reproductive health service plan offerings. Among products sold via the machine are condoms, pregnancy tests and emergency contraception. The latter includes a coupon for a free appointment with Student Health Services.
The idea received support from the SU Student Government Association, which had requested a wellness vending machine on campus for students’ convenience.
The cost of most wellness and personal hygiene items stocked in the machine is below retail pharmacy prices.
“Student Health Services recognizes that students may need different over-the-counter medications and products at any given point during the day or night,” said Parker. “We also recognize the rising costs of these medications at local pharmacies and stores, and want to ensure students get these items for the lowest possible cost.”
The machine, which accepts payment via credit card or SU Gull Card, is accessible to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week with Gull Card access to the building. All purchases are confidential.
While students are still encouraged to make appointments with Student Health Services for persistent symptoms or issues that may not be treatable with over-the-counter items, Parker hopes the machine will help bridge any gaps outside of normal operating hours.
“We want all Sea Gulls to be healthy so they can stay successful in their academics,” she said. “We hope this makes things a little bit easier, a little bit cheaper and a lot more convenient.”
