We love Barnard!

Yesterday was Monday, and you all know what that means–the Representative Council of Barnard’s Student Government Association met again, to keep up the appearances that they know how to get relevant things done. As always, Dassi Karp was there to take it all in.

It was health and wellness night for SGA, and Rep Council was joined by MJ Murphy, Executive Director of Student Health and Wellness Programs; Jessica Cannon, Program Director for Health Promotion and Education (she heads the Well Woman program); and and Mary Commerford, Director of Furman Counseling Center. The three guests spoke about what’s going on with Barnard student health services, including exciting new developments, and offered some suggestions about getting through the semester healthily.

Dr. Commerford began by asking the assembled Council to raise their hands if they’ve ever had significant worries about a friend’s emotional or psychological health since coming to college. The entire room raised their hand. She led a conversation about what unhealthy behavior may look like, and how to help a friend get help. “People who spend all night in the library–that could be someone to worry about,” she said. She also warned about properly approaching the care of a friend. “The Barnard community is so generous and so caring, that people sometimes get burnt out. Set boundaries. Take care of yourself.”

Getting appropriate care was the theme of the evening. Murphy spoke about funds that have been set up to help students who can’t afford medical costs not already covered, such as lab fees, some specialists, and medications. She also spoke proudly about plans to set up a vending machine for over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and emergency contraceptives that will be set up soon. “It will be a lot easier to go through the tunnels in your pajamas then to go all the way to Duane Reade in the cold,” she said. Aside from these announcements, Murphy had another message for students. “I can’t emphasize it enough,” she said. “Really, really, really get a flu shot.” Really really really everybody. Do it.

Murphy, Commerford, and Cannon fielded questions from members of Rep Council about health services, particularly Furman’s policies and approaches, especially as they pertained to how many counseling sessions students could have before being referred elsewhere. Commerford was resolute: “We will always see someone in a crisis,” she said.