The Health Center has opened the Student Health Connection, a clinic in the University Union that will provide many of the services that were previously only available at the Health Center itself.

“Our goal was to be in the area where students were,” said Darlene Spencer, the clinic manager and a registered nurse.

Spencer said that the location of the Student Health Connection will be convenient for students who are unaware of the location of the main Health Center.

The new location will also make health promotion more accessible to students, according to Dirk Ruthrauff, the associate director of the Health Center.

The Student Health Center currently provides services that include immunizations, tuberculosis testing, first aid, pregnancy testing and health education.

Spencer said that additional services will be phased in as the new health clinic progresses.”Some things we are capable of, but we are still waiting for supplies,” Spencer said.The services will be provided by fully registered nurses and are available to all Sac State students.

Basic visits are free to all students but there will be charges for several augmented services, ranging from $35 for elective physicals to $2 for the copying of X-rays. Students can avoid many of these fees by paying a $20 flat fee per semester under the Augmented Health Plan.The Health Center is also taking suggestions from students regarding what services they should provide in the near future.

The Student Health Connection is currently operating on its proposed hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.

“We welcome students to come and see us,” Spencer said.