Health Services and Counseling Services

Health Services and Counseling Services

This message was sent to all undergraduate and graduate students. Phone numbers and email addresses in the original message have been edited from this version because they were intended for student use only.

Dear Students:
Here are a few updates on health services and counseling:

  • For mental health concerns at any time, call the Rice Counseling Center. We have a 24-hour hotline with counselors to talk with.
  • Our physicians at Rice Health Services will offer consultations over the weekend for students who are in need of medical care. You can email the center with your name, cell phone number and a brief description of the reason for your concern. One of the doctors will give you a call back to discuss your concerns.
  • Rice Health Services will be open on Saturday from 12 until 3 for walk-ins for sick care. If you intend to go to Health Services, please email them prior to your visit to help them help you. We will update later about times for Sunday, depending on weather conditions.
  • Health Services advises that anyone who takes medicines should fill any prescriptions at their pharmacies immediately as you may not be able to do so during the storm.
  • Please understand that Rice Health Services is not an emergency room and cannot provide emergency care. Remember: do not hesitate to call RUPD to request emergency assistance. However, as I wrote to you before, emergency medical services may not be able to get to you during the storm, so please take greater caution and do not engage in any risky behavior, particularly with alcohol or other substances.
  • Students on Aetna Student Health may also call the Aetna nurse line directly. Students will need to give their Student ID when calling.
  • For other insurance plans, you should also check the back of your insurance cards for nurse line information.
  • Hermann Hospital nurse line is also open.
  • You may also consider calling your own primary care physician for consultation if they are out of the line of the storm.

Paula and I just made visits through many of the colleges and will be visiting the others in the rest of the evening. Look for us and stop by to say hi and to ask any questions you may have. Be prepared to see pictures of our grandchildren!

I have been very impressed by how all of you are responding to this emergency situation. I am always proud of the Rice student community, and today I am even prouder.

Best wishes to everyone,
Dean Hutch