This past January, Prevea Health officially replaced Student Health Services (SHS). With this transition came many changes for students, specifically the expansion of the types of care they can receive and the price point at which that care costs.
With it also came large changes for transgender students looking to start gender affirming treatment. The original plan was that there would be a semester-long gap in the taking on of new patients seeking gender affirming therapies.
Many concerns were raised about this lapse in care from students, staff and the community. This led a group of students, in collaboration with representatives from the Stout Student Association (SSA), to meet with the Chancellor, Dean of Students, and Interim SHS Director in hopes of shortening or eliminating the gap in care.
A result of this meeting was an updated and enhanced FAQ on the official page for Student Health Services Transition of the UW-Stout website. In it they clarify and outline their updated plan for offering patients gender affirming care this semester.
“ …any new patients may call now to schedule an appointment for care. Dr. Hall is now working as a consultant to Prevea Health providers, to provide them training in caring for these patients. This means when a student seeking this care comes in for their appointment with Dr. Hall, a Prevea Health provider will also be present to learn first-hand how this type of care is delivered. This will ensure these patients receive the best care possible, and that Prevea Health providers will know how to continue that care in the future.”
With the combined efforts of staff, students, and community members, Student Health Services is now able to accept new patients seeking gender affirming care. More information regarding the recent updates and changes to SHS can be found in episode 9 of the Inside Stout podcast, as well as the Student Health Services Transition page on the Stout website.