
Student Health and Wellness is proud to offer a full range of health care options including reproductive health services.
As of 1/1/2024, under Public Act 23-41: An Act Concerning Access to Reproductive Health Care by Students at Public Institutions of Higher Education, all public Universities in the state of CT are required to “provide access for students who live on campus to reproductive health care services from a [licensed] health care provider."
While many of our sexual and reproductive healthcare services are outlined below, you can view Student Health and Wellness’s full plan here.
Birth Control
Students can discuss birth control (contraception) options with a healthcare provider at Student Health and Wellness in the Hilda May Williams Building.
Birth control options include:
- Barrier Methods (including external and internal condoms, diaphragm, cervical caps)
- Condoms and other safer sex supplies are available for free to students through gloveBOX, SHaW’s free condom delivery program, run by the Sexpert Peer Health Educators
- They are also available for free at various SHaW locations, the Rainbow Center, and for purchase through the SHaW Pharmacy and CVS.
- Hormonal Methods (including the Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, Implant, and IUD)
- Other Methods (including non-hormonal copper IUDs, contraceptive gel, fertility awareness methods and surgical options)
Your provider will help you navigate your options to find the right one for you!
At SHaW, we can currently provide prescriptions for the birth control Pill, Patch, Ring, contraceptive gel (Phexxi), as well as administer the Shot (Depo-Provera), and place the Implant (Nexplanon). We currently refer to offsite partners for both hormonal and non-hormonal IUD placement, and hope to be able to offer IUDs here at SHaW in the near future.
For more information about birth control and contraception options, visit:
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after sex. The most common form of emergency contraception is commonly referred to as “the morning after pill” or “Plan B." Note that emergency contraception is different from medication abortion. Learn more about the differences here.
Currently, a generic form of Plan B is available for free to undergraduate (through support of USG) and graduate students (through a fund from SHaW). Students can access Plan B at our pharmacy, located at 234 Glenbrook Rd. If funding for this initiative becomes unavailable, SHaW will continue to offer emergency contraception for a less-than-retail cost at our pharmacy. In this case, students can use credit cards, Husky Bucks, or even charge the purchase to their fee bill.
EC is also be available in the SHaW Wellness to go vending machine, located in the Student Union. Students of all ages and genders can purchase Plan B without a prescription and with a valid UConn ID by using Husky Bucks.
If students are not able to make it to SHaW, emergency contraception is also available at area pharmacies (CVS) and via online vendors.
While there’s no weight limit to take Plan B, another type of emergency contraception, ella, may be a better choice for those in larger bodies. It also may be a better choice for those who are currently ovulating, or if it’s been up to five days since intercourse. ella is available at Student Health and Wellness by prescription and billed through insurance. If a student prefers not to use insurance, they can pay for it out-of-pocket at the student discount price. Students can make an appointment with a SHaW provider if they would prefer to use ella.
Some types of intrauterine devices (IUDs) can also serve as emergency contraception if inserted soon after unprotected sex. SHaW medical care providers can make a referral for IUD placements for students seeking an IUD as both emergency contraception and birth control.
For more information about emergency contraception, including when to take it, how it works, visit:
- Emergency Contraception (Planned Parenthood)
- What Kind of EC Is Best for Me? (Planned Parenthood)
- FAQs: Emergency Contraception (The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists)
Gender Affirming Care
SHaW celebrates all people’s right to experience gender euphoria and is committed to offering an environment where students can seek care and services that are inclusive and supportive of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. SHaW professionals strive to provide student-centered care to people of all genders and sexualities so that every student can access equitable and affirming care. In Connecticut, the need for gender affirming care is a qualifying life event for access to HUSKY Health.
Part of this commitment includes providing comprehensive gender-affirming care tailored specifically for our trans, non-binary, and gender expansive students. We believe in delivering care that honors each individual’s identity and medical needs and that every individual deserves to experience gender euphoria. Some of our gender-affirming services include:
- Exploration of gender-affirming care options suited to the individual’s needs
- Administration and monitoring of gender-affirming hormone therapy
- Chest and pelvic exams
- Acne management
- Referrals to trusted local medical providers that provide gender affirming surgeries (such as top, bottom, or facial masculinization or feminization surgeries)
- Coordinated care with SHaW Mental Health therapists who can provide gender affirmation support
We are here to ensure that every student receives compassionate, individualized, and affirming care at every stage of their journey.
For more information about gender-affirming care, including more specifics about care at SHaW and UConn, visit:
- UConn Student Health and Wellness – LGBTQIA+
- UConn Rainbow Center – Gender Affirming Closet
- UConn Speech and Hearing Clinic (for gender-affirming vocal therapy/training)
- Get the Facts on Gender Affirming Care (Human Rights Campaign) (Human Rights Campaign)
HPV Vaccination
Students of all genders can get vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) at Student Health and Wellness. HPV vaccination (Gardasil), when given before exposure, is highly effective at preventing infection with the kinds of HPV that can cause abnormal pap smears and certain cancers, especially cervical cancer, and some head and neck cancers. It can also prevent genital warts.
Some people are vaccinated against HPV during the ages of 9-12 years old during routine physicals. If you received HPV vaccination prior to attending UConn, and it was documented on your health history form, then it will be visible on your vaccine record available via the Student Health Portal. If you do not see any record of HPV vaccination in your Student Health Portal, this could mean a.) you have not been vaccinated against HPV or b.) you have been vaccinated against HPV, however did not submit those records to SHaW, in which we recommend checking with your previous medical care provider.
Vaccination after the age of 15 consists of a series of three shots. Students can make an appointment to either begin their series or continue an already started series by calling SHaW.
Coming soon: students will also have the ability to schedule an appointment with a medical provider through the Student Health Portal. Vaccination is covered by most insurance.
For more information about HPV vaccination, visit:
Mental Health Resources
SHaW offers a range of services, appreciating that students have unique needs and each students’ experience with clinical support varies. The college experience can be both exciting and challenging. SHaW’s model of care includes access to individual and group therapy options, clinical case management, crisis support, medication management and wellness activities. Students may be faced with different issues including navigating relationships, parenting, motherhood, stress, depression and anxiety that can impact student experience. SHaW’s mental health approach is designed to customize care based on each student’s needs.
SHaW offers a free Expecting and Parenting Students Peer Support Group, co-facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker and an APRN. The group is designed to provide education and support around the transition to parenting and navigating the stress of higher education. Specific topics to be discussed include exploring transitions to parenting, discussing mental health concerns, promoting healthy sleep habits, attachment and bonding, creating healthy work/school/life balance, and many others. Students are encouraged to come as they are and should feel comfortable bringing their babies along!
Pregnancy Support and All Options Counseling
Student Health and Wellness is committed to providing our students with comprehensive and inclusive sexual and reproductive health education and services, including pregnancy testing and all options pregnancy counseling and support. We recognize that cultural or religious beliefs may influence how individuals approach sexual and reproductive health, and our services are designed to be confidential, culturally sensitive, and respectful of your values and beliefs. This includes providing referrals for obstetric services, adoption services, and abortion services. In Connecticut, pregnancy is a qualifying life event for access to HUSKY Health.
Pregnancy Testing:
- Students who suspect they may be pregnant can purchase pregnancy tests over the counter at the SHaW pharmacy, or in the SHaW Wellness to go vending machine located in the Student Union. Pregnancy tests are also available at CVS and Price Chopper.
- Students may also make an appointment with a medical care provider at SHaW for pregnancy testing and confirmation.
All Options Pregnancy Counseling and Support
Abortion Care:
- UConn students can safely access abortion services, including medication abortion and procedural (aspiration) abortions while in CT.
- Students seeking to end a pregnancy can make an appointment with a provider at SHaW and can rest assured that they will be presented with all of their options, without shame or fear of legal repercussions.
- This includes referrals for procedural abortion services (performed off-site by area partners), and/or prescriptions for medication abortion, which will be an available option at SHaW in the near future (call and ask to schedule an “all-options counseling visit”). Comparison of early abortion options are available here.
For more information about abortion services and care, visit:
- Abortion Services (Planned Parenthood)
- FAQs Abortion Care (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
Adoption Resources:
For free & confidential adoption resources, visit:
- UConn Health – Adoption Assistance Program
- Lifetime Adoption
- 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-9-ADOPT-4
Parenting Resources:
SHaW offers a free Expecting and Parenting Students Peer Support Group, a support group for pregnant and parenting students designed to provide education and support around the transition to motherhood and navigating the stress of higher education. The group is co-facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker and an APRN. Specific topics to be discussed include exploring transitions to motherhood, discussing mental health concerns, promoting healthy sleep habits, attachment and bonding, creating healthy work/school/life balance, and many others. Students are encouraged to come as they are and should feel comfortable bringing their babies along!
For more information about resources for pregnant and parenting students, visit:
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) was created in response to the student-identified need for a streamlined process through which students could access services for victims of sexual assault. UConn has SAFE trained nurse practitioners available during operating hours throughout the fall and spring semesters to respond to victim-survivors of sexual assault.
If a victim-survivor calls or comes to Student Health and Wellness, a response team member can:
- Arrange for a sexual assault crisis counselor to meet with the victim-survivor to help review options as well as provide crisis counseling.
- Arrange for a free sexual assault forensics exam (SAFE) at SHaW, should the victim-survivor opt for evidence collection within 120 hours of the assault.
- Assist with arranging transportation to the hospital emergency department if additional immediate care is required (for example, “date-rape drug” testing can be performed within the first 48 hours after exposure).
- Arrange for a free examination at SHaW if the victim-survivor does not wish evidence collection or if it has been more than 120 hours since the assault. The victim-survivor can also receive free STI testing, free antibiotic medications to treat STIs, and free emergency contraception, as well as referral to other campus resources that may be of benefit.
These services are available without any obligation to press charges.
If you have experienced sexual assault, you are not alone - SHaW is here for you. If you are unsure what to do, please reach out to our 24/7 Advice Nurse at 860-486-4700.
To learn more about the resources available for victim-survivors of sexual violence, please visit:
- UConn Student Health and Wellness – Immediate Resources
- UConn Title IX - Resources and Reporting
- UConn Women’s Center
Sexuality Education and Support
In addition to clinical services, Student Health and Wellness offers a wide range of additional sexual health initiatives, including a free condom distribution program, and comprehensive sexuality education. Many of our educational offerings are run through the Sexperts Peer Health Education program, which is comprised of student peer health educators. Their initiatives include:
- gloveBOX: A free condom distribution program that ships boxes of condoms to UConn students' residence halls. gloveBOX offers six different types of boxes, so students can order a box that fits their needs, with options to customize based on style, size, and material.
- Ask the Sexperts: An anonymous Q&A program where students can submit questions about sex, and the Sexpert Peer Health Educator will post answers to their website.
- Peer Support Drop-In Hours: Students can connect with a Sexpert Peer Health Educator to ask questions about sex and sexual health, or to discuss a sex or relationship issue or concern.
- Programs by Request: Student organizations can request workshops and programs, which cover a wide variety of topics including birth control, STIs, safer sex, boundaries, communication, consent, pleasure, and more.
- Signatures Events: The Sexpert Peer Health Educators host two annual educational events, including Condom-a-thon, and our Sexual Health and Wellness Fair!
In addition to initiatives offered by the Sexpert Peer Health Educators, students may also book free sessions to connect with a sex educator on staff to discuss sex and sex health related concerns or issues, or for help connecting to resources. To book a session, please click here. Please note these sessions are not a replacement for medical care or meant to be utilized as long-term counseling.
STI Prevention
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PrEP (or pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication for people that are at risk for HIV and to prevent them from getting HIV. PrEP is offered either in the form of a daily pill or a bi-monthly shot.
PrEP is not for everyone. If you are interested in learning more about PrEP, or seeing if it is right for you, make an appointment with a medical provider at Student Health and Wellness.
For more information on PrEP, visit:
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Centers for Disease Control)
- What is PrEP? (CDC)
- What is PrEP? (Planned Parenthood)
- HIV & AIDS (Planned Parenthood)
- Is PrEP Right for You? (Planned Parenthood)
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to Prevent HIV Transmission (University of California San Francisco)
- How Does PrEP Work? (Callen-Lorde)
- PrEP Facts (San Francisco Aids Foundation)
PEP (POST-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PEP (or post-exposure prophylaxis) is a course of medication taken soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection. PEP must be taken within 72 of exposure to be effective.
If you would like to see if you are eligible for PEP, make an appointment with a medical provider at Student Health and Wellness.
For more information on PEP, visit:
Doxy PeP (Doxycycline post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Taking the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours after sex can help some people reduce the chances of getting syphilis, chlamydia, and potentially gonorrhea. This prevention strategy is called doxy PEP.
If you are interested in learning more about doxy PEP, or seeing if it is right for you, make an appointment with a medical provider at Student Health and Wellness.
For more information on doxy PEP, visit:
- Preventing STIS with Doxy PEP (Centers for Disease Control)
- Doxy PEP for STI Prevention (Howard Brown Health)
- What is Doxy PEP (San Francisco City Clinic)
- How to Take Doxy PEP (NYC Health)
MPox Vaccination
Mpox (pronounced "em-pox" and formerly known as monkeypox) is an infectious disease that spreads through close skin-to-skin contact. In the U.S., there are medications available to treat infections and vaccinations are available for those who are eligible.
If you’re interested in finding out if you’re eligible for the Mpox vaccination (JYNNEOS), you can make an appointment with a provider at SHaW.
For more information about mpox and mpox vaccination, visit:
- Mpox (Centers for Disease Control)
- Mpox Vaccination (Centers for Disease Control)
- Mpox (University of California San Francisco)
STI Testing
There are several on-campus options to get private, confidential testing for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs (also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDS).
Depending on the test, you may be asked to provide a urine sample, genital swab, and/or blood test. In most instances, you’ll be asked to provide at least a urine sample, so make sure to hydrate and do not urinate for at least 1 hour before arriving so as to provide a sample that will generate a reliable result.
If you’re having your testing done at SHaW, once the lab test results come back and have been reviewed by the ordering provider, you’ll be able to access your results on your student portal. You will be offered treatment for any positive tests. Eligible partner(s) of students who have positives tests will also be offered free treatment, not billed to insurance, without the need to see a medical provider. This practice is called expedited partner therapy.
Make an Appointment at SHaW:
- Testing is available at the Hilda May Williams Building by appointment throughout the academic year.
- Testing is available for all STIs. The most commonly chosen tests are for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.
- Your provider will recommend specific tests by asking a few questions about your sexual history and symptoms (if any)
- Testing is billed through insurance.
Attend a Free STI Testing Clinic Event:
- SHaW offers free STI testing clinics periodically throughout the academic year.
- These events typically offer testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- These tests are free and are not billed through insurance. If you receive a positive result, treatment is also free of charge and not billed through insurance.
- These clinics are typically first come, first served.
- Students can keep an eye out for upcoming testing dates on the UConn Events calendar.
Visit the Rainbow Center:
- The Rainbow Center, located on the 4th floor of the Student Union, also provides free and private testing periodically throughout the semester.
- These are typically rapid HIV and hepatitis C.
- These tests are free and are not billed through insurance.
- For more information, visit the Rainbow Center website.
For more information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the STI testing process, and recommendations for frequency of testing, visit:
- Getting Tested for STIs (Centers for Disease Control)
- What Are STDs? (Planned Parenthood)
- Get Tested (Planned Parenthood)
- STD Testing and Treatment in Willimantic, CT (Planned Parenthood)
- Services
- Immediate Care
- Alcohol, Other Substance Use & Support
- Allergy Clinic
- Fees & Insurance
- Immunizations
- Injury & Illness
- Lab Testing
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- Overnight Care
- Pharmacy
- Physical Activity
- Preventive Care & Health Screening
- Radiology
- Recovery Support Services
- Sexual & Reproductive Health
- Sports Medicine
- Travel Medicine
- Wellness Coaching

Other Sexual Health Resources
Pregnancy Resources
Services:
HPV Vaccine and Clinics
Students of all genders can get vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) at Student Health and Wellness in the Hilda May Williams Building. Gardasil is the only vaccine that protects against cervical cancer and genital warts. Students can make an immunization appointment to begin or continue this three-shot series. Vaccination is covered by most insurance. Call 860-486-4700 to get protected!
STI Testing
What testing is available at SHaW?
- Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be diagnosed by a urine test or a urethral swab, whether or not symptoms are present. For either test it is important that you don’t empty your bladder for at least one hour (preferably two) before the test. These tests are generally accurate 1-2 weeks after exposure. - Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea can be diagnosed by urine test or urethral swab; it is usually tested for at the same time as Chlamydia. - Herpes
If you have a sore or a blister in the genital area, a swab can be taken for herpes culture. If you don’t currently have any symptoms, a blood test can be done, but it may not be accurate for up to 4 months after exposure. - Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and can only be diagnosed in men is if there are visible bumps or growths present in the genital, pubic, or anal area; there is currently no swab, blood or urine screening test available for men who are asymptomatic and may be infected with HPV. Treatment for genital warts is available by appointment. - Syphilis
is diagnosed by a blood test. - HIV
HIV testing is done via blood test at SHaW on a confidential (not anonymous) basis. Before scheduling an appointment, it is important that you read about our HIV counseling and testing policies. Be aware that it may take up to 6 months for either test to be positive following infection. The Rainbow Center and SHaW offers anonymous HIV testing. Please contact their offices for information about their testing procedures.
Paying For STD Testing at SHaW:
- Your specimen(s) are sent to an outside laboratory for processing. They will bill your insurance for these tests.
- It is always a good idea to call your insurance company (there should be a phone number on your card) to make sure they will cover these tests or any other services you receive. Most insurance companies will cover for STD testing if you are currently experiencing symptoms. Always bring your insurance card with you to your appointment!
State of Connecticut Dept of Public Health Testing:
- If you prefer, you may obtain testing services at a CT Dept of Public Health Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic located at many sites around the state.
Emergency Contraception (Plan B)
In partnership with USG, there is Plan B available for free to undergraduate students. If at anytime this funding is no longer available, the cost will be $15 at our Pharmacy.
Graduate students can purchase a generic form of Plan B (the “morning-after pill”) over-the-counter at our Pharmacy. The cost is only $15.00! Students of any age or gender with a valid UConn ID can purchase Plan B without a prescription. Students can use cash, credit cards, Husky Bucks, or even charge the purchase to their fee bill.
- ella, another type of emergency contraception, is available by prescription and billed through insurance.
What is Plan B?
- Plan B Emergency Contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after sex.
Consider using Plan B if:
- You didn’t use a contraceptive during sex
- You think your contraceptive didn’t work
How does Plan B work?
Plan B Emergency Contraceptive pills contain the same medication as regular birth control pills, and help to prevent pregnancy. Take Plan B as soon as possible. It is best to take Plan B within three days of unprotected sex. The sooner you take Plan B the more effective it is. For more information talk to your pharmacist or practitioner.
Who should NOT take Plan B?
- Plan B should not be taken if you are already pregnant or if you are allergic to any ingredient in Plan B.
- Do not use Plan B if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Is it safe and will it work? What will it do?
- Plan B is safe and effective.
- Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by 89 percent.
- Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Plan B won’t cause an abortion.
- Plan B is NOT the same as RU-486 (the abortion pill).
- Plan B is not effective after pregnancy has occurred and cannot interrupt it.
- Plan B won’t harm a developing fetus.
- If Plan B is taken mistakenly during pregnancy, it will not harm the developing fetus.
- Using Plan B will not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant in the future.
People can keep pills at home in case of an emergency. Many people find it convenient to have Plan B on hand in case of an emergency. Plan B is for emergency use and should not be used in place of regular contraception since it is not as effective as regular contraception. Store Plan B at controlled room temperature (68˚-77˚F). Excursions permitted between 59˚-86˚F. Be sure to have a medical follow-up after taking Plan B. If you don’t get a normal period within three weeks, take a pregnancy test. It is important to visit your doctor or clinic if you need a regular birth control method or information about preventing sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV/AIDS. -
-
PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)
- PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily pill that can protect you from HIV if taken every day. PrEP is an option for those HIV-negative and concerned about their exposure to HIV
- Students interested in receiving PrEP can make an appointment with a Student Health and Wellness medical care provider. Advancing Access programs are available to make this treatment affordable.
- More information about PrEP.
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
Signature Programs:
gloveBOX Safer Sex Supply Delivery Program
The UConn Sexperts Peer Education Program
Resources:
UConn Resources
State and National Resources
- If you are pregnant or are a new parent and are feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anxious and need someone to talk to:
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline | MCHB (hrsa.gov)
- Call or text to 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for free, confidential 24/7 mental health support for moms and their families before, during and after pregnancy.
- Post Partum Support International – Postpartum Support International - PSI
- CT Chapter Connecticut Chapter of Postpartum Support International (psichapters.com)
- Call or Text our HelpLine: Call 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) (English & Spanish)
- Sparkler App – a mobile app that helps parents to check in on how their child is doing against key milestones and provides activities to spark early learning. Register through this link.
- March of Dimes--Help us improve the health of all moms and babies | March of Dimes
- If you are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts dial 988 for mobile crisis services.
- If you are experiencing a life-threatening situation, dial 911 immediately.
Specialized Provider
- To find a specially trained provider: PSI Perinatal Mental Health Provider Directory | PSI Perinatal Mental Health Directory (psidirectory.com)
Connecticut State Laws
Public Act No. 23-41: An Act Concerning Access to Reproductive Health Care by Students at Public
Institutions of Higher Education
The University of Connecticut Plan - January 2024
1) Availability of SHaW Services: SHaW offers a suite of services applicable to the act on both the
Storrs and Stamford residential campuses.
a. The SHaW practice at the Storrs campus is staffed by trained and licensed doctors, advanced
practice registered nurses (APRN) and registered nurses (RN) who provide counseling,
evaluation, and treatment. Among the services provided on the Storrs campus are:
Primary care gynecological services including preventative gynecological services
- Gender affirming care including hormone therapy
- Sexually transmitted infection screening, testing and treatment including expedited
partner therapy (EPT) - An on-site pharmacy and phlebotomy station
- Contraceptive care including emergency contraception options
- A Nurse Advice Line which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the
academic year, and during business hours on breaks - Free period products available at the Hilda May Williams Building and at other
designated sites on campus - GloveBox, an online ordering and delivery service of safer sex supplies which are also
available at designated sites on campus - Education about sexual health including the peer education program, UConn Sexperts
- A peer support group for expecting and parenting students
b. The SHaW practice at the Stamford campus is currently undergoing an expansion of
services. Beginning in the spring 2024 semester, a registered nurse will be present on the
Stamford campus to serve as a Nurse Navigator. The Nurse Navigator will support students
by facilitating the coordination of care with providers in the community appropriate to the
student’s needs. Currently available to Stamford campus students is the Nurse Advice Line
which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the academic year, and during
business hours on breaks. Also provided on the Stamford campus are:
- Safer sex supplies which are also available at designated sites on campus
- Education about sexual health
- A peer support group for expecting and parenting students
2) Access to Off-Campus Services: When a student at the Storrs or Stamford campus seeks a service
not available at the on-campus facility, SHaW will work with the student to assess the student’s
clinical needs, preferences, and insurance coverage and support them in matching these with
appropriate local providers.
a. The Storrs campus facility offers most primary care services. The above pathway applies for
certain students needing services not provided by SHaW. In addition, SHaW is collaborating
with providers at UConn Health to assess the need and increase the availability of
reproductive healthcare services in Storrs.
b. The Stamford campus primarily offers the Nurse Navigator services as detailed above as a
pathway for students needing access to services not provided by SHaW.
3) Continuity of Care: SHaW will continue to account for continuity of care during holiday and vacation
periods, and between semesters, in the care plans they develop with students on the Storrs and
Stamford campuses. The Nurse Advice Line is available to all students 24/7 during the academic
year, and during business hours when classes are not in session. The Storrs practice provides
services to students year-round, and there is on-call coverage outside of business hours during the
academic year. SHaW currently provides limited telehealth services in compliance with prevailing
regulations and standards of care.
4) Transportation: For purposes of advancing this plan, SHaW has defined the service region to be
within a 50-mile radius of the residential campuses in Storrs and Stamford. This includes a network
of licensed providers in the metropolitan areas of Springfield and Hartford for the Storrs campus,
and New Haven and New York for the Stamford campus. SHaW will encourage students requiring
transportation within this region to use SHaW taxi vouchers or a rideshare service. SHaW will
provide related financial support to cover transportation fees to qualifying appointments. SHaW
estimates the annual transportation costs will be $10,000. SHaW will investigate whether
transportation costs may be covered by an individual student’s insurance, however this is otherwise
unfunded.
5) Qualifying Life Event for Insurance Coverage: While all UConn students are required to have health
insurance, SHaW recognizes that certain plans may not cover reproductive health services. The
diagnosis of pregnancy is a qualifying life event for insurance coverage purposes, which allows for
students to change to a different insurance plan outside of the open enrollment period. SHaW will
provide students with information and materials about pregnancy being a qualifying life event for a
change of health insurance coverage in the state. The information provided by SHaW may include,
for example, that regardless of a student’s permanent address, a student may apply for HUSKY
Health coverage based upon a school residential address. Additionally, SHaW has been informed
that HUSKY Health recognizes gender affirming care as a qualifying life event and will share that
information with students as appropriate. SHaW may also provide information about the UConn
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and other potential insurance options. SHaW recognizes that
some students may not meet the HUSKY Health eligibility criteria and has not identified a funding
source for other insurance options or for the cost of reproductive services not covered by existing
insurance.
6) Maternal Mental Health Care: SHaW’s mental health team is a multidisciplinary team of clinical providers
trained in conducting comprehensive assessments to understand and respond to issues facing students.
Services may be delivered through SHaW or by a community provider based on the students’ needs. The team
includes a mental health clinical case management team on both
the Storrs and Stamford campuses that specifically focuses on identifying specialized mental health
needs including those specific to maternal mental health.
Students may also be referred to the SHaW website to access a range of mental
health supports and educational materials on maternal mental health. The SHaW team is in
the process of examining a range of additional maternal mental health tools to determine those best
suited to the demographics of student populations. Such assessments may be added to the existing
suite of tools.
- Services
- Immediate Care
- Alcohol, Other Substance Use & Support
- Allergy Clinic
- Fees & Insurance
- Immunizations
- Injury & Illness
- Lab Testing
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- Overnight Care
- Pharmacy
- Physical Activity
- Preventive Care & Health Screening
- Radiology
- Recovery Support Services
- Sexual & Reproductive Health
- Sports Medicine
- Travel Medicine
- Wellness Coaching