Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4p.m.
(During Academic Year)
Contact Us
Location:
301 Bartlett Hall
300 W Seward St.
Ripon, WI
Email:
[email protected]
Phone
(920) 748-8141
Care is Near
Health Services’ purpose is to maintain the optimum physical health of the Ripon College student body through accessible, educational and cost-effective health care. Primary medical care is provided and referrals are coordinated with other community resources as needed. Students are assisted in their acquisition of knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to recover, build and maintain health. Health Services is a confidential environment dedicated to providing quality care, respecting autonomy, assessing the response to public health needs of the campus community, and promoting healthy life choices.
Students should fill out this form in order to keep an updated record of health while attending the College.
Please email vaccination records to [email protected] or fax the information to (920) 748-8341.
Stressed or depressed?
Click here to access Counseling Services at Ripon College. Students who are in a situation where danger is imminent and immediate help is required (suicide attempt, assault, harm to self or others) should call 911 or utilize the Emergency Numbers/Resources listed here. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Medical Services
Medical care is provided to all enrolled students during the academic year. Visits are at no cost to students and include the following:
- Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of common illness and injury
- Medication prescriptions and refills
- Basic wound care
- Contraception counseling
- Vaccinations and flu shots
- Pregnancy testing
- Mental health review and treatment
- Disease prevention and health promotion
- Referrals as needed for labs, imaging and specialty care (costs may be incurred for referrals outside of Ripon College Health Services)
After Hours and Emergency Resources
Local Healthcare Options:
*Check with your insurance company for coverage information
845 Parkside St., Ripon
Main Hospital: (920) 748-3101
Family Medicine Clinic: (920) 745-3520
Urgent Care/ER*: (920) 745-3440
*Hospital and clinic are combined; Offer 24-hour Urgent and Emergent Care
1242 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon
(920) 745-4700
1080 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon
(920) 748-7000
402 Eureka St., Ripon
(920) 219-4599
Legacymedserv.com
*No insurance required; Upfront pricing at a discount
Other Options within 30 Minutes
145 N. Main St., Fond du Lac
(920) 926-8492
430 E. Division St., Fond du Lac
(920) 926-4600
Emergency Room: (920) 361-1313
Walk-in Clinic: (920) 361-5770
855 N. Westhaven, Oshkosh
Emergency Room: (920) 456-6000
Urgent Care: (920) 303-8700
Additional Health Resources
Free 24/7 support from trained counselors
Chat: Text HOME to 741741
Help if you or someone you know is experiencing violence
Call: (800) 299-7233
Chat: Text LOVELS to 22522
Free confidential treatment referral and information for individuals and families
Call: (800) 662 HELP(4357)
Confidential 24/7 support for those experiencing emotional distress or considering hurting themselves
Call: 988
Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7 from anywhere in the U.S.
100% Confidential 100% Free
Call: (800) 488-7386
Text: 678678
Confidential 24/7 support for sexual assault, abuse and incest survivors
Call: (800) 656-HOPE(4673)
Local Pharmacies
Ripon Drug
328 Watson St., Ripon
(920) 748-5174
Walgreens
1203 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon
(920) 748-6005
Confidentiality
Your privacy is important to us. We follow strict federal HIPPA guidelines to ensure your medical information will not be shared without proper consent unless the law allows it.
Frequently Asked Questions
All enrolled students are eligible to use Health Services during the academic year. All staff and faculty also are eligible to use our services.
Appointments are encouraged and can be made by calling (920) 748-8141 (leave a message if no answer), or by emailing [email protected]. Walk-ins are also welcome, but patients who have appointments will be seen before walk-ins.
There is no cost for nursing services. We provide free COVID, influenza, mono, strep, pregnancy, urinalysis and TB testing. We also provide free over-the-counter medication and medical supplies, including cold medication, cough drops, pain relievers, antacids, allergy medication, hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic cream, muscle rub, eye drops, ice packs, ace wraps and Band-Aids. We have canes, crutches, medical boots and shoes, a wheelchair and a knee scooter for use if needed for injuries that require such assistive devices. Costs will be incurred for referrals to lab imaging specialty providers if not covered by insurance. Prescriptions sent to the pharmacy also may incur costs, depending on insurance coverage. Vaccinations given in the Health Services office also may incur a small charge that can be paid in cash or charged to your student account.
Make an appointment with Health Services to discuss an individualized plan of care while on campus. We will work closely with your primary care provider at home to provide continuity of care.
It is beneficial to have your prescriptions filled prior to coming to campus and on breaks, however, we can transfer some prescriptions to one of the local pharmacies in town. We do not prescribe or fill controlled medications.
Manage Common Ailments
Or Upper Respiratory Infection.
What is it?
An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a cold caused by a viral inflammation of the mucous lining of the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nose, throat and sinuses. Symptoms can last between 4-14 days.
Antibiotics DO NOT help a cold.
Symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Headache
- Fever
- Chest congestion
- Nasal congestion
- Body aches
Treatment:
Get plenty of rest (8-9 hours/night)
Drink at least 8 large glasses of water a day and/or fruit juices high in Vitamin C, jello, tea with honey or broth/soups (these help thin your mucus and can decrease congestion)
Take over-the-counter (OTC) medication to treat your specific symptoms:
Sore throat
- Salt water gargles, with ½ teaspoon salt in a glass of hot water several times per day
- Honey and water gargles, with equal parts several times per day
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (follow label instructions)
- Hard candy or throat lozenges (helps soothe and moisten throat)
Cough
- Robitussin or Delsym (follow label instructions)
- Vicks Vaporub (apply to chest and under nostrils)
Runny nose and congestion
- Sudafed (follow label instructions)
- Flonase/Fluticasone nasal spray (follow label instructions)
- Sinus rinses with distilled water, or use a neti pot
- Cool-mist humidifier or warm-steam showers
Fever and body aches
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (follow label instructions)
For multi-symptom relief take Dayquil and Nyquil (follow label instructions)
- Refrain from smoking as it will make your symptoms worse
- Do not drink alcohol because it is dehydrating, can worsen symptoms and interact with the OTC medications
- Use Vaseline, Aquaphor or a lip moisturizer to prevent chapped lips
- Avoid milk products because they increase the amount and thickness of your mucus
Prevention:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often or use hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs
- Use tissues to cover your sneezes and capture snot and promptly dispose of them
Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing - Don’t share beverages, utensils or toothbrushes with others
Contact Health Services
If your symptoms worsen over 3-5 days, do not improve in 7 days, or you develop new symptoms.
What is it?
A sprain is a tear of one of the tough bands that hold bones together at the joint. These bands are called ligaments.
How Are Sprains Caused?
They are caused by putting pressure on a joint that the ligaments are not strong enough to stand. Sometimes the bone gives away and a fracture results, but more often the ligaments tear.
Are They Serious?
Like any injury, they can be. Some sprains are very mild and others are very severe. The most common sprain is at the ankle. Usually they heal well but can lead to a permanent change in the ability of the joint to work properly. Usually this occurs if they are re-injured.
Symptoms:
- Pain – may come on gradually
- Swelling – may come on gradually
- Bruising – this can develop 1-2 days after the injury and gets worse before it gets better
Poor joint stability – especially when turning or changing directions
Treatment: - Rest – A sprained joint is weakened and can be easily reinjured. It takes time to heal, typically between a couple days to several weeks. Crutches may be used to keep body weight off of an injured foot or leg.
- Ice – Apply ice pack(s) for 20 min at a time, 2-3 times/day to the injured area, for the first 24-48 hours after the injury to reduce swelling. Use a towel or cloth between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite.
- Compression – Elastic bandage or ace wraps are used for support. A brace or splint also may be used as suggested by your provider. In general, it is wise to avoid anything that causes pain at the injured joint. Let your body be the guide. If the bandages become too tight, the fingers or toes may become pale, numb or painful. Loosen the bandage if any of these occur. In the event that the elastic bandage has to be reapplied, remember it should be wrapped evenly and snugly, but not with too much pressure.
- Elevation – Keeps swelling down and can reduce pain.
If the wrist, elbow or shoulder is injured, keep your arm elevated on 1 or 2 pillows at least above the shoulder level for the first 4-12 hours, if possible.
If a foot or leg is injured, keep it elevated above heart level on 2 pillows while lying down for 24-48 hours, if possible.
Over-the-counter medications
- Tylenol to help relieve pain (take per package instructions)
- Ibuprofen to help relieve pain and inflammation (take per package instructions)
When to Seek Medical Care:
If you experience persistent pain and disability for more the 72 hours, or rapidly increasing bruising or swelling, despite consistent treatment with ice and elevation, seek medical attention.
What is it?
Gastroenteritis/stomach bug is caused by a virus. There are many different viruses that can cause the stomach flu, including rotavirus and norovirus. It is easily spread by sharing utensils, drinks, toothbrushes, etc. with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces or through eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms typically last up to 72 hours from their onset.
Symptoms:
Nausea
Crampy abdominal pain
Vomiting
Watery diarrhea
Fever
Chills
Body aches
Treatment:
- Rest
- Hydrate with water and oral rehydration (Gatorade, Pedialyte, Powerade)
- Take over-the-counter Tylenol as needed for fever, chills and body aches
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages
- Dehydration is the real concern with persistent vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration occurs when fluid loss exceeds fluid intake.
Dietary Guidelines:
Only ice chips or sips of water until vomiting stops. Try taking small sips every 15-30 min.
Clear liquid diet for 12-48 hours.
Clear liquids include: Water, clear broth, flat soda, weak tea, apple juice, kool aid, jello, Gatorade, Pedialyte, Powerade and popsicles
As your symptoms subside, the following may be added slowly:
B – bananas, plain bread and plain crackers
R – plain rice and rice cereal
A – applesauce and peeled apples
T – tea and toast (without butter, jam is OK)
When your symptoms have resolved for 24 hours on the BRAT diet, lean meats, fruits and vegetables should be tried gradually. At this point, dairy products may be added one at a time in limited amounts. Fried, spicy or fatty foods and alcohol should not be added until symptoms have completely resolved.
Prevention:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water
Clean shared surfaces with bleach wipes
Limit social contact while symptomatic
When to Seek Medical Care:
If you experience blood in your stool or urine, persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours or diarrhea lasting longer than 72 hours. Severe abdominal pain, persistent fever, dehydration symptoms including decreased urine output, dry mouth, rapid pulse, dark/concentrated urine or dizziness/lightheadedness upon standing also require medical attention.
Meet the Staff
Belling, Mary
Director of Health Services
Felix, Julie
Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber (APNP)
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