New Resources and Support for a Healthy New Year

A message about a new University-wide hub of information for campus health programs and resources for well-being was sent to the Drexel community:

Summary

  • Drexel is proud to introduce the new Health & Well-Being at Drexel site as your University-wide hub for information campus health programs and so much more to support your well-being. Visit the site to discover everything from fitness classes to immunizations, from counseling to employee health insurance.
  • As of Dec. 14, the current Drexel Health Checker app will cease operation. Functions formerly hosted by the app will transition to a new Drexel, web-based platform. Further information will be provided in a separate communication.
  • The Drexel COVID test sites based at Queen Lane and the New College Building will close permanently on Dec. 16. The University City location will remain open and continue providing PCR testing.
  • The region and nation are experiencing a sharp increase in influenza, COVID infection and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). As you head into the holiday season, protect yourself, your friends and family. Vaccines decrease your chances of infection and importantly lessen the occurrence of serious disease. You can schedule a free COVID booster shot via Student Health (215-220-4700) or a retail location near you such as a local pharmacy. You can get a flu shot at the same time as your COVID booster.
  • If you are a student in need of mental health support, please reach out to the Counseling Center at counsel@drexel.edu. Employees can connect with a live SupportLinc representative by calling their 24/7 helpline at 1.888.881.5462.

Dear Drexel Students and Colleagues,

The holidays are a time to experience relaxation and joy. No matter the time of year, Drexel is here to support your physical and mental health. This December, we’re making some changes to help further our commitment to community well-being.

Introducing Your Online Hub for Health & Well-Being

Your health is determined by a constellation of factors from physical fitness to disease prevention, emotional support to social activity, financial security to community safety. Health also extends to feeling safe within a welcoming and diverse community. Drexel is home to award-winning programs, groups and activities that support every facet of individual and collective health. With the new Drexel Health & Well-Being Hub, we’re unifying these resources to help you more easily find whatever information you need. Looking to understand our student health services? Discover a yoga class or a social event? Learn about employee health benefits? Pursue counseling? Find all that and more at drexel.edu/health-wellbeing.

Replacing the Drexel Health Checker

As of 6 p.m. on Dec. 14, the current Drexel Health Checker app and web portal will cease operation. In their place, Drexel will transition to an in-house, easy way to schedule a COVID test, receive test results, report an outside test result and upload proof of COVID vaccination. You’ll need your Drexel ID to log in.

All your existing information from the Health Checker app will securely transition to the Drexel web-based platform, allowing you to continue to schedule tests, receive results and upload COVID vaccination information. If you schedule a test using the Drexel Health Checker on or before Dec. 14, that information will be carried over, so you don’t need to reschedule. More detailed information concerning this transition will be located on the Response to Coronavirus site.

Change in COVID testing site locations

Queen Lane and New College Building COVID testing sites will close permanently on Dec. 16. All campus community testing will continue at the University City location with no change in schedule.

Reminders for Winter Health

Respiratory infections are ramping up—including colds, flu, and COVID-19. Make sure you get your flu shot and the updated COVID-19 booster vaccine if you haven’t already. These vaccines lessen your chance of infection and lessen the impact of the disease if you do become infected. Schedule the latest COVID booster via Student Health (215-220-4700) or at a retail pharmacy location near you. You can also get a flu shot through Student Health or in conjunction with your COVID booster.

Drexel also encourages you to wear a well-fitting face mask indoors during periods of high viral transmission adding a layer of safety for you and helping to prevent the spread of disease to others. If you feel sick—especially if you have a cough, fever or other symptoms that could indicate COVID-19 or flu—get tested right away and separate yourself from others. Healthy ventilation also remains important, especially as more activities occur inside during the winter months. For more about COVID safety including when to test and how to isolate from others, and plan indoor events, visit the Response to Coronavirus site.

Your emotional health is also important at a time of year that can generate extra stress and potentially impact some of your favorite activities. If you need someone to talk to, contact Drexel’s counseling services. Students can make an appointment at the Counseling Center by emailing counsel@drexel.edu. Employees can connect with a live SupportLinc representative by calling their 24/7 helpline at 1.888.881.5462.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year!

Sincerely,

Marla J. Gold, MD, FACP
Chief Wellness Officer
Senior Vice Provost for Community Health