Measure 3, an increase in mandatory Student Health Services fees passed by a slim margin of 1134 votes to 1061. 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. “Getting rid of the augmented fee will be good.”

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

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

“I just don’t agree with the increase,” said Jennifer McGee, 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 services available to students. The weight management program will also continue which helps students with eating disorders and those who wish to drop a few pounds.

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 time 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 their whole budget comes from the student fees.

This fall the $38 fee will increase to $67 and every year after will increase an additional $2. 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 Drug only costs $5.05 at the health center.