Each semester every student enrolled at Cal State Fullerton pays approximately $353 in campus fees.
In addition to the cost of tuition, an estimated $70 of this total goes toward a “Health Center Fee,” which includes free or reduced-cost health care services at the Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC) on campus.
The SHCC provides a variety of services including general health services and Counseling and Psychological Services (known as CAPS), which include individual or couples counseling, group therapy, psychiatry and crisis intervention.
Another program offered is Family PACT, a state-funded program that provides “family planning and reproductive health services at no cost to California low-income women and men,” according to Fullerton.edu/shcc.
Laura Rockwell, administrative support coordinator of SHCC, said Family PACT is a beneficial health service that many students can profit from.
Rockwell said the SHCC advertises the program through the use of campus outreach, student orientations, fund groups and residence hall presentations.
However, much of this information can get lost in translation on account of all the information CSUF students are exposed to.
She said most students learn about the program from friends on campus through word-of-mouth.
“(Students) aren’t always aware (of the services the SHCC provides) but as soon as they walk into our building here, our front desk checks to see if they are Family PACT eligible and refers them to fill out a form in the program,” said Rockwell.
J.T. Townsend, 24, a CSUF graduate with a degree in biology, said he signed up for the program the first time he walked into the SHCC.
“I’ve had the (Family PACT) card since I transferred here,” said Townsend. “It’s cool because the checkups and tests are free.”
The program, established in 1997, is administered by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and provides family planning services to students who are either underinsured or uninsured.
“I’m there every other month,” said Daria Raines, 23, a child development major, “Family PACT is the best. I get everything I need for free.”
Family PACT supplies students with general knowledge about reproductive health and provides free clinical health services, such as contraceptives, gynecological exams, STI and HIV testing and pregnancy tests, to name a few.
“There are a lot of reasons why students should enroll (in Family PACT),” Rockwell said. “One of them is just for their own health… and also education.”
Rockwell said students who wish to enroll in Family PACT need to undergo a two-step process.
“Once they fill that form out, they have a meeting with me where we go over the form and see if they qualify. (Qualifying applicants) then receive their (Family PACT) card and I explain the program a little more (depending on what services they need),” Rockwell said.
In addition to being completely confidential, students who are not on their parents’ health insurance and have no coverage at all can especially benefit from Family PACT, Rockwell said.
“This is a way they can get the medical coverage they need and the medical treatment they need,” Rockwell said. “And it’s very confidential. No matter what they come in for, it’s kept confidential and private.”
Family PACT services are also available at community clinics such as Planned Parenthood and other health departments throughout California, meaning students can receive a Family PACT card from Cal State Fullerton and use it elsewhere to receive the same free services.
“It’s a state program so there are Family PACT locations usually nearby,” Rockwell said.
Prescriptions given at the SHCC can be filled at any Family PACT affiliated pharmacy in California.
Students can call the Student Health and Counseling Center at (657) 278-2800 or visit Fullerton.edu/shcc to schedule an appointment.
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