WSA meeting addresses campus medical issues

By Megan Higdon
Western Herald

Although the hype about “H1N1” influenza seems to be over, the staff at the Sindecuse Center at Western Michigan University does not think the virus is done just yet.

Dr. Lisa Marshall, director of the Sindecuse Health Center, spoke about another possible wave of H1N1 at yesterday’s Western Student Association meeting.

“Will there be a third wave of H1N1?” she asked. Many seem to think so.

“I am tired of talking about H1N1,” Marshall said. “We are very interested in trying to prevent a spread on campus.”

Marshall said that her goal has been trying to create a “herd of unity,” which means getting at least 50 percent of all staff and students at WMU vaccinated. As of now only about 20 percent have been vaccinated.

Free vaccination clinics will be held on Feb. 16 and 17 in the Student Recreation Center, and Feb. 24 and 25 at the Sindecuse Health center. The vaccine is in injection form; there will be no nasal spray vaccines.

Medical amnesty for intoxicated minors
There was another health related issue was addressed at the meeting. Josh Weaver, political affairs chair, presented his resolutions on medical amnesty to be supported by the senate. The first resolution, #0910-7 acknowledges that the WSA supports medical amnesty as expressed in Michigan House Bill 4876.

The bill would allow minors to contact authorities if they are in need of medical assistance. The bill stipulates that they would not receive an “MIP”, or a minor in possession charge.
The bill would also protect any intoxicated minors who help the minor who needs medical assistance.

The second resolution, #0910-8, states that the WSA supports the Student Association of Michigan’s efforts as it works to pass this bill in the state legislature. SAM is the organization representing 15 student governments at public universities in Michigan. The group holds conferences each month at different universities to discuss issues within the state and share ideas.

“I think this law has the potential to save a lot of lives,” said Joe Stando, Miller Movies coordinator of the Campus Activities Board.

Others felt differently about WSA supporting the bill.

“I’m a believer that if you do something wrong there should be consequences,” said Mickey Hanson, senator from the Haworth College of Business.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=14786

Posted by heraldstaff on Feb 11 2010. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

http://HeraldStaff