Denison University is set to enhance healthcare access for its students with a new vending machine at the Hoaglin Wellness Center, launching on March 1. This machine will provide essential medical supplies at considerably lower prices, including Plan B for just $10, as opposed to the typical $40-$50 found in local stores. The initiative aims to eliminate barriers related to cost and transportation when students need health products.
Jazlyn Moreno, a student, highlighted the importance of such accessibility: “There have been times when I was sick and couldn’t make it down the hill for medicine, so I just thought, ‘Oh well, I guess I’m not getting medicine today.’” Payments can be made using student IDs and Denison Dollars, making it easy for students to obtain what they need without hassle.
This new vending machine complements existing services like the Glove Box program, which provides free sexual healthcare items in students’ Slayter boxes. Other affordable products available include Mucinex ($10), Covid tests (free), Ace bandages ($2), and menstrual cups ($5). The Wellness Center aims to keep prices low through either cost price or minimal markups, ensuring consistent availability.
The inspiration for this program came from Michelle Barcelona, director of medical services, who has wished to implement it since her arrival at Denison in 2009. Thanks to a recent grant, she can offer medications at much lower prices than those found in local convenience stores. Barcelona noted, “A good example is Plan B is $50 at CVS, and we’re selling it for $10.”
Heather Borland, the wellness education coordinator, emphasised the programme’s potential for consistency. She stated, “We’re going to offer them a really low cost, but we can consistently offer them services instead of waiting on someone to donate and then hand them out for free.” Student wellness ambassador Katelyn Baez remarked on the program’s impact, saying,
“For a lot of people, Plan B can be an entire paycheck. I like that it will make healthcare more accessible for students.”
Evie Erwin echoed support for the initiative, noting how it would ease the process for students in need. “I think it’s a great start, and I think it’ll be easier for people to go up and get what they need— I hope they do more with it.” Barcelona is optimistic about expanding this programme to additional locations on campus, stating, “It’ll be interesting if it takes off. There’s been conversations like, will they put others [in] other places on campus?” Their focus is on the forthcoming launch and its reception among the student body.
Denison’s Hoaglin Wellness Center will launch a new vending machine on March 1, providing essential healthcare items at low prices. Notable offerings include Plan B for $10, significantly cheaper than local stores. The initiative aims to alleviate financial barriers for students, promoting easier access to medical supplies.
The introduction of a vending machine by Denison University’s Hoaglin Wellness Center marks a significant step towards improving students’ access to affordable healthcare items. With necessities like Plan B significantly reduced in price, the initiative addresses critical barriers such as cost and accessibility. This aligns with the Wellness Center’s ongoing mission to provide consistent health services, fostering a more supportive environment for student wellbeing.
Original Source: denisonian.com
