Health Services

Mission

Simpson College Health Services (HS) supports the College's mission by providing individual student attention. More specifically, Health Services:

• Provides health care and preventative care to students
• Educates students and promotes healthy lifestyles
• Prepares young adults to navigate the healthcare system
• Teaches students how to advocate for their healthcare needs

To make an appointment, please email healthservices@simpson.edu or call 515-961-1604.

Staff
Michelle Collette, ARNP-FNP
Medical Director & Nurse Practitioner
michelle.collette@simpson.edu

Katie Lee, ARNP-FNP
Director of Health Services & Nurse Practitioner
katie.lee@simpson.edu

Requirement:
All students are required to complete the electronic health form and provide proof of immunizations through the electronic health records, Medicat. Login into the patient portal here by using your Simpson username and password. 

Services offered:

• Emergency first aid services
• Assessment of illness and injury
• Referral and appointment assistance to appropriate health care providers (specialists, dentists, immunizations, etc. at the student’s expense)
• Over-the-counter medications and basic medical supplies at no charge. Includes acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, cold symptom relief, throat lozenges, cough drops, antibiotic ointment, bandages, disposable thermometers, etc.
• Some prescription medications may be ordered at HS and picked up at the local pharmacy
• Medical equipment at no charge: crutches, slings, ace wraps, ice packs, etc.
• Free testing: Strep, Urine, Blood Glucose, Pregnancy, COVID-19, influenza, and STI testing
• Emergency Contraception
• Ongoing birth control shots such as Depo
• Health education materials and resources
• Wellness programming and events throughout the year
• No allergy shots are given at Health Services.  Please see the list of local providers for such services.

Important Forms

• Immunization Waiver Form
  • Medical Exemption
  • Religious Exemption
• Release of Medical Info Form
• International Student TB SCREENING Form
• International Student TB TESTING Form

Indianola Medical Clinics

Students may access medical care in Indianola at one of the following clinics. Students calling for appointments should identify themselves as a Simpson student and present proof of insurance and photo ID.  Money may be needed for a co-pay at the time of the visit.

The Iowa Clinic
1504 N 1st St
Ph: 515-875-9520

Indianola Family Medicine/Unity Point
301 E. Hillcrest Ave
Ph: 515-961-3700

Mercy One Indianola Clinic
307 E. Scenic Valley Ave
Ph: 515-961-8448

Mercy One Indianola Urgent Care
2006 North 4th Street, Suite 200
Indianola, Iowa 50125
Ph: 515-461-9784

Warren County Public Health
301 N Buxton Street
Ph: 515-961-1074

After Hours Care: Daily & Weekends
Emergency – Dial 911 or Campus Security @ 515-961-1711
Contact your Community Advisor (CA) if you become ill or injured.  They will assist you in accessing care.

Phone assessment of a medical situation/Daily & Weekends
My Unity Point Nurse
Mercy Family Help Line

Indianola Pharmacies
Hy-Vee 515-962-9444, 901 N. Jefferson Way
Medicap Pharmacy 515-961-5303, 2105 N 3rd Lane
Walgreens 515-961-4867, 1000 N. Jefferson Way
Walmart 515-961-8960, 1500 N. Jefferson Way

Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) testing
Free STI and HIV testing is available at Health Services every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 starting in September through April. Walk-ins are welcomed. Additional limited STI testing is available at Health Services free of charge, but appointments are required (email healthservices@simpson.edu). Other testing can be done in Des Moines at Polk County Public Health.

Transportation
Transportation options for students in Indianola and the surrounding area can be found here.

Hospitalization
Students needing special or emergency care should utilize the hospitals in the Des Moines area.  Des Moines Hospitals include Unity Point, Mercy One, and Broadlawns Medical Center.   All hospital services are at the student’s expense.

Medical Excuses
The Office of Student Development (x1592 or x1306) should be notified when an extended illness, hospitalization, or family emergency occurs.  Student Development will begin notifying the student’s faculty and other college personnel.  When a minor illness causes an absence from class, the student must notify instructors of the reason for the absence.  It is also the student’s responsibility to make up the work missed during any class absence.

Physical Exams
A yearly physical exam is recommended for all students.  All athletes must receive a sports physical and turn in completed forms to ATS. NCAA regulations require that the athletic physical exam be dated within 12 months of the athlete’s first scheduled practice. Athletes will not be able to practice or participate if the physical has expired (12 mo + 1 day or more).

Tuberculosis (TB) Testing Policy
Simpson College developed the following Tuberculosis Testing Policy in June 2013 regarding tuberculosis testing in accordance with the American College Health Association guidelines.

Study Abroad
Simpson College highly recommends that students and college personnel traveling to high-risk areas of the world complete a TB test within 8-10 weeks after leaving the high-incidence area.  Areas of high incidence and local testing resources can be found on the “TB Screening Form.”

DEI
Information on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be found here.