Student Health Center: 719-389-6384

Colorado College proudly partners with Optum to provide health services to students on campus through the Student Health Center. The College has made health services available to students since the Center's opening in 1963 and continues its commitment to delivering a wide array of programs to augment "life at CC."

The college and the health professionals with whom we partner are committed to supporting Colorado College students' health with an understanding that healthy students are best equipped to fully engage the educational opportunities available through Colorado College curriculum and programs. We are also committed to educating our students on how to become savvy and informed users of healthcare for a life time.

We’re here to support you!

We would love your feedback on your experience at the Student Health Center.

For compliments or concerns regarding your care, please contact our Optum Patient Experience department.

Call 1-719-463-5518

Email PatientAdvocateCO@optum.com

You can also contact the Colorado College Senior Director of Student Health & Wellbeing, Heather Horton, at 1-719-389-6211 or hhorton@coloradocollege.edu.

Counseling Center and Psychological Services

(See the counseling website here: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/counseling/)

Colorado College Counseling and Psychological Services is operated by the college.  Our diverse group of counselors work in supporting and addressing the mental health needs of our students. Counseling and Psychological Services can be reached at 719-389-6093 and are located in the Yalich Student Services Building.

COVID-19 Information

As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop we are adjusting the we way deliver care at the student health center. To ensure we are taking every precaution to prevent further exposure of COVID-19 in our community, but still proving care for our students we are implementing new operating hours.

Get care from the comfort and safety of your home or dorm room. Click here to learn more!

We are closely monitoring developments in the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19). Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, we will follow guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Information on how travelers can protect themselves and what to do if you are concerned about exposure and illness can be found on the CDC's website.

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, or are feeling sick and wondering what you should do, CALL BEFORE GOING TO YOUR DOCTOR'S OFFICE OR HOSPITAL. Many insurance plans have telehealth options that allow you to speak to a medical provider who can help you determine your risk and appropriate medical care and testing, so check your insurance plan to see what might be available to you. You can also use the CDC's Self-Check on-line.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported - ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

Also see: Coronavirus Updates & Resources

Measles Information

Measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases, as it spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is more likely to spread and cause outbreaks in communities where groups of people are unvaccinated. Measles is a health risk for students and staff who have never had measles or have not received the recommended two-vaccine series. While Colorado Springs is not currently experiencing an outbreak, Colorado College is working to proactively reduce the risk of an outbreak on our campus, and we want to assure parents and families that in the event of a campus outbreak, we would work very closely with local public health officials to ensure that notifications are made and proper care is provided to all who might be affected.

You can find more information about measles and the measles vaccine on the Center for Disease Control's website.

You can also find information on the CC website about the documentation the college requires for entry into Colorado College, and campus prevention education.

Welcome to Colorado:
What You Need to Know About Altitude Sickness

As you settle in to Colorado Springs, keep in mind that the elevation of the city and surrounding parks are 6,035+ ft above sea level, and may be much higher than you're used to.

At these high altitudes, your body takes in less oxygen due to the decrease in air pressure, which can cause altitude sickness.

You may experience the following symptoms, usually within the first 48 hours of arriving in Colorado:

• Headache
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Difficulty sleeping

Prevention:
The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to plan ahead when traveling to higher elevations and go slowly. For example, if you are driving to Estes Park from sea level, you might want to consider spending a night or two in Denver. Once you arrive, you should plan on avoiding exertion for the first day or two. Consider waiting until later in your trip to drive over Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (which has a high point of 12,183 ft.), or climb to any of the mountain peaks.

Treatment:
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even pets. Allow yourself to rest, and be sure to drink plenty of water, as high altitudes increase chances of dehydration. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol. Mild analgesics, such as Tylenol, can also help. Altitude sickness will usually subside within a few hours, and mostly disappear within a day or so. It's important to pay attention to your body, and don't overdo it.

Adapted from Estes Park's article on altitude sickness at www.estesparkinformation.com/altitude-sickness.

Traveling Abroad Next Semester?
Make Sure Your Vaccinations Are Up To Date!

Optum offers Travel Medicine at their Urgent Care Clinic on Union & Fillmore every Tuesday. Call 719-636-2999 to schedule your appointment today.