Measure 3, an increase in mandatory student health services fees passed by a slim margin of 1,134 votes to 1,061. This is the first increase for student health services since 1994.

“This is a win-win situation,” said Lori Bisset-Grady, director of health education. “We’re happy that we can continue to provide students with excellent health care.”

With the passing of Measure 3, the Student Health Connection located in the University Union will remain open and more services will become free for all Sacramento State students.

Before the passing of Measure 3, many services were free, and additional services were free if the student paid a $20 augmented fee. That augmented fee is now eliminated, making all students eligible for those same services.

“This will eliminate a lot of confusion,” said Darlene Spencer, registered nurse and clinic manager.

As the vote reflects, students had mixed opinions about the measure.

“I personally don’t need it,” business major Stephen Smith said. “But everything is going up, so why not the health services?”

“I just don’t agree with the increase,” said Jennifer McGee, a sociology major. “I don’t think it’s worth another $27.”

The passing of Measure 3 will also allow the health services to keep programs such as peer education and the massage therapy service available to students.

The convenience of the Student Health Connection will also continue. Students may drop in for a free health care visit, have lab work done and get many other free services.

“Even for people who have insurance, the convenience of being able to just walk in on campus is very valuable,” Spencer said. “People with insurance many times still have to pay a co-payment. They don’t have to here.”

Spencer also said that many people think the health center is state funded, but its whole budget comes from the student fees.

This fall the $38 fee will increase to $67, and will increase an additional $2 every year for the next five years.

This increase will allow students to receive free services, including X-rays, massages, physicals, eye exams, lab tests and immunizations. At outside facilities, you might pay as much as $100 for a chest x-ray and $60 for a strep test.

At the main Student Health Center, located just past Yosemite Hall, students can buy their medications at reduced prices. For example, a prescription of Amoxicillin that costs nearly $20 at a Longs Drugs store only costs $5.05 at the health center.

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Karen Marie Watson can be reached at [email protected]