Health Services
The Office of Health Services (OHS) is your on-campus resource for health and wellness. To contact the Office of Health Services call: 870-245-5244.
The Office of Health Services is a nurse-directed walk-in clinic and is available free of charge to provide health care and education to Ouachita Students, faculty and staff (with exception of flu shots, TB skin test and a minimal fee for allergy shots).
The Mission of Health Services is to promote optimal health and wellness through the delivery of quality medical care and health education in a Christ-centered environment in order that the student may grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially. The nurse strives to empower the students with health care knowledge that enables them to make informed decisions about health-related issues.
Requesting Immunization Records
Authorization for release of medical records
Students may request records for personal use or to be sent to another institution.
- Go to Student Info Portal menu
- Forms: Request Immunizations Sent Out
- Complete online form
Request records by fax/email:
- Print and complete an authorization for release of medical records form. Complete the entire form and make sure student's printed name and signature are included. Parents may only request the records if student is a minor.
- Send the completed form to Ouachita Health Services Fax: 870-245-4558, or email [email protected].
- Health Services attempts to be prompt with processing the request but please plan ahead for any deadlines you may have. It could take up to 14 days for processing.
Request records in person:
- Visit the Office of Health Services located on the second floor of Evans Student Center
- Complete the authorization to release medical records form
- Upon staff availability records will be provided at that time, it may be mailed to the student's OBU post office box or another time may be arranged to pick it up.
*Please keep copies of records that are requested. Take a picture, keep in a medical file or upload records to available options on your digital devices.
Services Available
- Evaluation of minor Illness (colds, sore throats, headaches, coughs, upset stomach etc.)
- Over–the–Counter medications (OTC) with instructions for use
- A self-treatment option for OTC medications
- Health and wellness information and education
- Blood pressure and weight monitoring
- Minor trauma/injury care (sprained ankles, first aid, etc.)
- Equipment checkout such as crutches, wheel chairs, heating pads, etc.
- Referrals, as needed, to other health care providers
- A resource to listen to your concerns and make appropriate referrals as needing to our Ouachita Counseling Center or other health care providers
- Services for a minimal fee:
- Flu shots – $20
Flu vaccinations are available in Health Services annually for $20. Health Services does not file any insurance but is able to give the student a record of the shot that can be submitted to insurance companies for reimbursement per their policy. - Tuberculosis skin test – $10
Tuberculosis skin tests are available on Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during clinic hours with a fee of $10. The student must return to the clinic in 48-72 hours to have the skin test read and receive proof of screening. - Allergy Shots with physician approval- semester fee – $20
Allergy shots are given during limited times in Health Services since there must be a physician present. The student must coordinate between the ordering physician (allergist) and the campus nurse. The nurse must have the orders from the physician and the serum is to be left in Health Services. There is a $20 per semester fee for allergy injections. See the Allergy Shot information sheet for additional information
- Flu shots – $20
On Campus:
As a satellite clinic of Arkadelphia Clinic for Children and Young Adults, Dr. Wesley Kluck is available to see students by appointment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-3 p.m.
Dr. Kluck will file the student's insurance, but it is the student's responsibility to see if Dr. Kluck is in network with your insurance plan. The clinic also has a Cash Pay option by request. The Office of Health Services can assist you in making the appointment by calling 870-245-5244.
Health Insurance for Students
Students at Ouachita will be responsible for any healthcare that is needed other than the free services that are provided by our Health Services.
Ouachita does not offer healthcare insurance policies for students. Certain Programs on campus require students to have insurance, international students (see international student resources ) and Ouachita student athletes (see athletics website).
Student's may visit www.healthcare.gov or there are many independent agents that are available to shop for individual healthcare. It is advised that every student have an insurance card with them while on campus.
We advise students to contact their provider prior to attending Ouachita to determine coverage in the Arkadelphia area. Many Healthcare insurance policies require you to use an approved network or doctors, hospitals and clinics. The insurance provider should be able to provide a list of approved healthcare providers in the Arkadelphia area (Zip code 71923). This includes emergencies, medical, mental health, vision and dental.
Ouachita Baptist University does not assume financial responsibility for professional services that require physician; medical, surgical, or emergency services: or for hospitalization. Students are financially responsible for any medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and/or pharmacy bills.
Immunization Requirements and Recommendations:
MMR Vaccines:
- Undergraduate: 2 MMRs
- Graduate: 1 MMR
To prove immunity, a copy of an official immunization record from a licensed medical doctor, an authorized public health representative, or a military record must be uploaded to your student admit portal before being able to complete the registration process before the semester begins.
An official record from another educational institution in Arkansas is also acceptable.
Exceptions:
SEROLOGICAL TESTING
In lieu of receiving the vaccine, immunity can be shown by providing documented evidence of appropriate serological testing. (Lab titers for measles, mumps, and rubella) Serological results must be submitted to [email protected]. The approval letter is to be uploaded to your admit portal.
MEDICAL OR NON-MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS
A medical or non-medical exemption can be applied for only through the Arkansas Department of Health. They can be contacted for the application by email at [email protected], by phone at 501-661-2169 or online.
Once the exemption letter is received from the Arkansas Department of Health it can be uploaded into the admit portal.
This must be requested yearly prior to the start of the semester.
International Students: Please contact The Grant Center for International Education for requirements.
Additional Immunizations/Screenings:
Check with your Healthcare Provider to see if you are up to date on the recommended vaccines for your age.
MENINGITIS
Arkansas Act 1233 of 1999 requires the Office of Health Services to inform students of a bacterial infection known as meningitis. Although meningitis is rare, individuals who live in close proximity to many others, such as residence halls, have a slightly higher risk of contracting this disease. There is a vaccine available, and Ouachita Baptist University recommends that all students living in residence halls discuss receiving this vaccine with their Health Care Provider. Per the CDC meningococcal conjugate vaccines are designed to protect against four serogroups (A, C, W, and Y), while serogroup B meningococcal vaccines help protect against one serogroup (B). There are currently no meningococcal vaccines that can help protect against all common serogroups that cause most meningococcal disease.
Tuberculosis Screening
If a student was born outside the United States and is not a US Citizen or has lived outside the United States for 6 months or more, they will be required to submit records of Tuberculosis screening. If the student has been on mission trips outside of the United States in endemic areas, then it is recommended that students receive a TB screening prior to coming on campus. Complete the Health Form on the admit portal to know if you need additional TB Screening.
ALL FORMS ARE TO BE UPLOADED TO THE STUDENT ADMIT PORTAL.
Class & Work Absences:
It is the student’s responsibility to know the attendance policy of each individual class. The Office of Health Services will give the student a Record of Visit (ROV) form upon request at the time of the visit. It will be up to the discretion of each professor or supervisor on accepting the ROV. If a student is going to miss classes for an extended period due to medical reasons, then please contact Health Services to discuss the situation and each case will be evaluated individually.
Health Services will not give students chapel excuses. Those must be discussed with Chapel Coordinator if there is an issue. Learn more about Chapel at Ouachita.
Counseling services are available to help Ouachita students with a wide range of mental health challenges – from test anxiety and dealing with stress to grieving the loss of a loved one or depression, among others. One-on-one sessions, group sessions and online screenings and resources are available.
The Ouachita Counseling Center is located on the first/lower floor of the Evans Student Center, in the hallway behind the Campus Post Office, in ESC 137. They provide in-person individual counseling sessions to students, various support groups, and telemental health remote counseling as well.
CONTACT
Director of Health Services: Molly Wallace, RN, BSN
Phone: 870-245-5244
Fax: 870-245-4558
Location: ESC 2nd floor
HOURS
appointment preferred walk-ins welcome
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday and Wednesday reserved for allergy shots (12-2 p.m.)
AFTER HOURS CARE
For emergencies: Call 911 or go to the Baptist Health Medical Center Emergency Room (6 miles from campus: 3050 Twin Rivers Drive // 870-245-2622)
Non-emergency contacts: Your Resident Director or RA or the Office of Campus Safety & Emergency Management (870-245-4000 or use the RAVE Guardian mobile app).