Concussion to Ankle Sprains: What to do when your Zag in injured
By: Libby Skiles, Health Center
One of the most common reasons for a visit to the Student Health Center is injuries, such as sprains, cuts, fractures, and concussions. In a survey about health and wellness, more than 15% of Gonzaga students reported that they experienced an injury in the last twelve months. Here are some things to keep in mind when your student is injured:
Timely treatment matters
In addition to the Health Center, we are very fortunate to have a number of healthcare providers in the Spokane area. If your student is injured, they should seek care in a timely manner. This is particularly important for head injuries. The Health Center is available Monday-Friday, 8a-5p; Wednesdays open at 10. When the Health Center isn’t open, Health Rides are available to transport students to local urgent care centers or emergency departments for their non-emergency needs. These rides are free to students during evening and weekend hours, as we do not want transportation to be a barrier to receiving the care they need. Information on local urgent care centers, after-hours consultation services, and local emergency providers is available here.
When in doubt, consult for free
Students can always consult with a nurse at the Health Center for free. If they aren’t sure what to do, they can always see a nurse and we can provide basic treatment and guidance on how to care for the injury.
Equipment rental is available
Many students require crutches for a short period of time while they are recovering from an injury. Students can rent crutches from the Health Center for $5. There is a $30 deposit that is refunded when the crutches are returned. Students are also able to rent wheelchairs, if needed.
Use your supplemental coverage
All Gonzaga students are automatically enrolled in a supplemental accidental injury plan. This plan is paid for by tuition and fees and serves as a secondary insurance plan with benefits up to $10,000. This plan does cover injuries related to club and intramural sports. If your student is injured, the Health Center can assist them with the claim form, which must be authorized by the Health Center. More information about this plan is available here.