Students returning to North Lake Campus this fall can count on the campus Health Center to help with any medical needs. The Center serves as the first stop for many students and staff who need quick, basic care without leaving campus. It is designed to handle everyday concerns and minor health issues, offering a convenient and free option for students.
“We’re basically, like a step before you would go to, like an urgent care,” said Nurse, Reina Hardimon. The center does not have a doctor on site, but the staff can assess and treat many small issues like small cuts, mild illnesses, and simple medications.
Prevention is also a big part of the health center’s work. Students can receive vaccinations and tests that are often required for school or work. “Right now, the health center offers meningitis vaccines and TB tests. And flu shots will be available in October,” said Hardimon. The staff encourages appointments for these services, but walk-ins are welcome.
For those who need medications, the Health Center keeps a supply of common over-the-counter items such as pain relievers, allergy and flu medication. The Center also provides basic health checks like blood pressure readings, temperature checks and vision or hearing screenings. If a service is not available, the staff helps connect students to outside clinics.
“Student can come in and get their vitals checked. When it comes to lab work or anything we don’t do that here, but basic things like blood pressure, temperatures, things like that we do, vision and hearing things as well,” said Hardimon.
Students who are worried about costs can use the center without concern. According to Hardimon, most of the services at North Lake are funded by Dallas College and are provided to students at no cost.
The Health Center is also prepared to respond to urgent situations. While it cannot manage long-term conditions, staff can stabilize someone having a severe allergic reaction, asthma attack or diabetic emergency until emergency responders arrive. In these cases, contacting campus police first is critical.
“So, in the case, if there is ever a medical emergency, the first line of contact is going to be our campus PD. We tell every student and staff member to contact the campus PD, first, because they will be the ones to notify police, ambulance, EMS,” said Hardimon.
The Health Center is in Building C, room C200. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Health Center also has phone lines staffed by a nurse Monday through Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students can call during these hours for guidance or come in for walk-in services.
