Letters to the Editor

Dear Weather Vane Editors, I would like to respond to the article "Health Center Struggles" which dealt with issues of diagnosing mumps and scheduling problems in the health center.

Recent mumps outbreaks have hit many college campuses in the Midwest and Virginia, including two cases diagnosed at EMU's Health Center that have been confirmed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). As a result, the health center has been taking extra measures to protect students, faculty and staff from contracting this contagious disease. Prevention is the most important strategy. We have notified students most at risk, those not immunized with two measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shots, and have provided immunization clinics. Even with everyone immunized, it is predicted that between 5-10 % of individuals could still contract mumps.

Due to the risk of mumps, the health center is also focusing on early identification and control of its spread. The diagnosis for probable mumps is a sudden onset of unilateral or bilateral tender swelling of the parotid or other salivary gland, lasting 2 or more days, and without another apparent cause. When an individual presents with symptoms suggestive of mumps but has not met the 48 hour time frame, the health center recommends that the individual avoid social situations while waiting for their symptoms to either resolve or continue until meeting the diagnostic criteria. If a probable case is established then blood and saliva samples will be sent to the CDC for confirmation. For more information on mumps, please visit the health center website http://www.emu.edu/studentlife/health/mumps/html.

The second issue identified related to scheduling problems at the health center. The availability of scheduled appointments to see a physician or nurse practitioner has increased from 8 hours per week last year to 24 hours per week this academic year. However, even with the increased appointments, at times there has been over a week's waiting time to receive a scheduled appointment for non-urgent visits such as physicals and immunizations/prescriptions for cross-cultural travel. Walk-in times are available daily for ill or injured students. Dr. Ken L. Nafziger, Vice President for Student Life, has recognized the increased demand for both health center and counseling center appointments and has approved reallocation of staff, which will both improve scheduling, and increase appointment availability. The health center is also moving toward electronic scheduling which should reduce scheduling errors.

The health services staff is interested in continuing to improve our services and we welcome constructive input. A comment/suggestion box will be located in the Weaver Wellness Suite. Students may also email comments or suggestions to Frank Ameka, frank.ameka@emu.edu, president of the student health advisory council (SHAC) or consider joining the council.

-Margaret Upton

MSN, RN, FNP

Director of Health Services

Dear Editors

I picked up the three latest Weather Vanes today, and I read your column, Matt. I am so glad you feel accepted and loved on EMU campus even though you have come out to everyone who reads the Weather Vane. I sincerely hope this commendable attitude continues, and that it may encourage other students to be open with who they really are. If gay students no longer feel unsafe on this campus, it will be a reason for great celebration on my part!

I am a retired educator, the mother of a wonderful gay son who did not have the positive experience of being accepted when he came out on this campus back in the early 80's. He did have many close friends who stood with him, but he was told by the administration that he might not be allowed to graduate. He decided to attend Howard University in DC for his final year, and in the end he was allowed to graduate from EMU. So it appears that EMU has come a long way. Now I have great hope that gays in our churches and church institutions will soon be treated as equals, and that we will no longer hear comments like "love the sinner, but hate the sin". I am praying that it will happen in my lifetime. Working for that acceptance is my passion.

Matt, I too love EMU, and I feel blessed to live next to the campus where I have many friends among the students, staff, and faculty. I love attending special events and the regular athletic events. My message to all gay students on campus is: I will stand in solidarity with you whether you are in the closet or out. With God's help and your invitation I will be a part of your family. My email address is rubylehman@yahoo.com. I would love to hear from you!

Ruby Lehman