Student Health Center holds open house and resource fair.
Snacks, tours, information and health safety packages were given, and appointments were made at the Student Health Center for anyone wanting to learn about the facilities Pierce College has to offer.
Pierce held its spring semester Student Health Center Open House and Resource Fair on the second floor of the Student Services Building on Wednesday, Feb 26, seeking to educate students about the resources available to them.
During the event, attendees were encouraged to meet the staff and SHC Director Houry Tanashian, with familiarity being a major goal.
“We want to make sure students know of the services that we have on campus,” Tanashian said. “We want them to feel comfortable with us. I don’t want this place to be intimidating.”
This sentiment was common among SHC staff. Health Center Assistant Loralyn Frederick wants the facility to have more presence in students’ college careers and understand their schedules.
“They are busy with their academic goals, but we want to include them,” Frederick said. “We are here to help them while they achieve their academic success.”
With medical rooms for doctor checkups and therapy sessions, Tanashian and staff want more students to take advantage of the free and low-cost services. The only cost would be for bloodwork and sending out specimen samples.
“We only charge the cost,” Tanashian said. “The Health Center doesn’t make money off the students.”
Through Pierce’s partnership with TimelyCare, students can speak with mental health professionals 24/7. To access the remote services, students will need to sign up with their student email on the TimelyCare website. Therapy sessions are also free at Pierce for students, with walk-ins welcome. California State University, Northridge public health major, intern at Pierce and Pierce graduate, Cassie Austin sees firsthand the importance of reaching out.
“There are certain overlapping health issues that concern college students,” Austin said. “Specifically with mental health.”
According to a Healthy Minds Study from 2024, 38 percent of college students suffer from moderate to severe depression. Students reluctant to seek help should note that visits to TimelyCare and Pierce are confidential and not part of academic records, according to the SHC confidentiality statement on the Pierce website.
The Open House and Resource Fair aimed to attract awareness from students and create familiarity around the campus. Student Nurse Intern Jennifer Quach emphasized the importance of coming to the center.
“When I got to know Houry she made this such a fun and positive learning experience throughout both my career and as a student,” Quach said. “I hope I have that same effect on people too: being positive, kind and helping others out.”
