5-7 Rope Ferry Road
General Information: 603-646-9400
Medical Appointment Office:
603-646-9401
www.dartmouth.edu/~health/
The Dartmouth College Health Service is located at 5-7 Rope Ferry Road, an extension of North Main Street. The building located at 7 Rope Ferry Road is better known as Dick's House, a memorial to Richard Drew Hall '27.
The Health Service provides a broad program of health care and education. Each full-time student paying full tuition is entitled to this prepaid program which includes primary medical care and infirmary services. Details are described in the pamphlet Dartmouth College Health Service. Some services not included in the prepaid program may be secured through the Health Service, but there will be a specific charge to the student.
Emergency medical care is available around-the-clock at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Emergency Department. Subspecialty referrals for unusual problems are available at the Hitchcock Clinic. Students or their insurance companies will be billed for both of these services.
For transportation assistance to Dick's House, contact the Department of Safety and Security at 646--4000.
The Primary Care and Preventive Medicine Program
This Program is dedicated to providing personal confidential visits and high quality medical care for your illness and injury needs. We also offer preventive care such as physicals, sexually transmitted infection screening, travel heath, and men's health needs.
Lab and x-ray studies for most needs are available through our office. For needs outside the scope of our practice appropriate diagnostic studies and referrals to specialists are arranged.
Our health care team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants provide medical exams, order lab tests and x-rays, write prescriptions, determine diagnosis and treatment plans, admit students to the Inpatient Department, and make specialist referrals.
Our medical staff hold clinical instructor appointments at Dartmouth Medical School, have Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) prescription privileges, and maintain national and state continuing education and medical licensing requirements. We also have medical assistants, X-Ray technologist, and nurses, to assist in providing for your care here.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling the office at 646-9401. We attempt to see everyone quickly and stay on time. Be assured that students with urgent needs will be added into the schedule as necessary. Please consider these factors when scheduling your appointment. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to working with you.
Women's Health Program
The Women's Health Program is committed to providing services tailored to the needs of each student. Using a holistic approach encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual needs. Women's Health appointments focus on health promotion, wellness, and education. Services include: annual gynecological exams, breast exams, contraceptives, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, STD and HIV testing, as well as counseling for alcohol concerns, food-nutrition issues, menstrual disturbances, sexuality, and relationship issues. Registered full-time students pay no additional fees to see a health care provider. Routine tests such as Paps and STD screens are included in the visit. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 646-9401.
Inpatient Department
Dick's House includes a 10-bed hospital that is available to students for inpatient care. Infirmary patients are those students with illnesses or injuries that would normally be cared for at home by family members. Other inpatient admissions are billed to the students or their insurers.
The Inpatient Department (IPD) is open 24 hours a day during fall, winter, and spring terms, (closed in the summer) except in November, when the IPD closes three days for a Thanksgiving break. The IPD is staffed by Health Service physicians, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses. To contact IPD staff or patients, call 646-9441.
Office of Counseling and Human Development
Currently enrolled students are eligible for a wide range of services through the Counseling Office. Students may be seen for crisis intervention and short-term counseling. Issues students may wish to discuss include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, abuse of alcohol and other drugs, trauma, and grief. Counseling programs are provided on a confidential basis in both one-on-one and group settings.
Students requiring or requesting services off-campus are assisted by the Counseling Office in locating a suitable therapist or treatment facility. When treatment needs indicate, students may take medical leave until their recovery is well established. Before their return to Dartmouth, students are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and arrangements are made for follow-up individual therapy, group therapy, or 12-step program needs.
The Counseling and Human Development Office also provides consultations, education, and multicultural services to the Dartmouth community. For information, consultation, referrals, or 24 hour a day emergency service, call 646-9442. Information is also available through the counseling web site at www.dartmouth.edu/~chd/.
Health Resources Department
The Health Resources Department works with students to maintain and improve their physical and emotional health through education and outreach. Programs are designed to provide information on a wide range of health issues, teach prevention of injury and illness, promote lifestyles conducive to good health, and inform students of the various resources available to address health concerns. The Alcohol and Other Drugs Program, Nutrition and Eating Disorders Program, and Sexual Abuse Awareness Program (all described elsewhere in this handbook) are part of the department.
The Health Resources Department provides training, advising, and administrative support to several groups of peer advisors. The cornerstone for all of these programs is PEAC (Peer Education Action Corps). This extensive training program is offered each fall for health opinion leaders. In this program, students learn information and skills that empower them to change social norms around important health issues such as alcohol and other drugs, sexual abuse, disordered eating and exercise, sexual health, stress, and depression. It is recommended that students complete the PEAC curriculum before entering other Peer Advising Programs. For information about these programs, call the Health Resources Department at 646-9414.
The Jackson Collection is a library of health-related books and journals available to the Dartmouth community. Categories include: general health; alcohol and other drugs; nutrition and eating disorders; sexuality; sexual abuse and harassment; emotional health; men's, women's, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues; sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and pharmaceuticals. The Jackson Collection is located in the main library, on the first floor in Dick's House.
Sports Medicine/Athletic Training Room
The Sports Medicine Department provides health care to the intercollegiate athletes of Dartmouth College. The Department's main facility is the Athletic Training Room, located in the Davis Varsity House, adjacent to Alumni Gym. It is staffed by certified athletic trainers, who are assigned to specific athletic teams throughout the year. The Athletic Training staff works in conjunction with the Health Service staff and the Orthopedic physicians at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center to provide athletes with comprehensive athletic health care, ranging from emergency first aid to injury rehabilitation.
The Davis Varsity House Training Room is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm during fall, winter, and spring terms (closed in the summer). Weekend hours are dependent on team practice and competition schedules. The Davis Training Room number is 646-2472.
Pharmacy
The Health Service operates a pharmacy for registered students and Dartmouth College employees. The Dick's House Pharmacy is open during the fall, winter and spring terms weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. During intercessions and summer term, hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The pharmacy is licensed by the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy and is staffed by registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
A charge is made for each prescription filled at the pharmacy. Students may charge prescriptions to their student accounts or pay with cash, major credit card, or check. The Pharmacy participates in many insurance plans. Students are encouraged to present their prescription insurance card when visiting the pharmacy. Many over-the-counter and prescription items are priced at discounted rates for students. To contact the pharmacy staff call 646-9456 or BlitzMail "College Pharmacy".
See also "Alcohol and Other Drugs Programs", "Nutrition and Eating Disorders Program", Sexual Abuse Awareness Program".
