Health and Counseling Services

For a mental health crisis or any other life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest Emergency Department. WinnMed Emergency Department is located at 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah, Iowa 52101.

Uwill offers students a direct crisis connection.  If a student is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7/365 at  833.646.1526 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 

For other non-crisis mental health support, please use one or more of the following resources:

• Contact your RA or Hall Director
• For relationship/ sexual violence:
  • Call the Domestic Abuse Resource Center crisis line at 563-382-2989
  • Call Riverview Sexual Assault Services crisis line at 1-888-557-0310

Iowa law requires that colleges provide information regarding the meningitis vaccine.  Your submission of the Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form ensures we are in compliance.

MENINGITIS INFORMATION
Meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in older children and young adults in the United States. The disease most commonly is expressed as either meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, a serious infection of the blood. Since 1991, cases of meningococcal disease among 15–24-year-olds have increased. Studies show that students residing in on-campus dormitories, especially first-year students, appear to be at up to a six-fold increased risk for meningococcal disease than other college students overall. Vaccinations are available against five of the most common strains of N. meningitidis in the United States. Iowa law requires that we provide this information on meningitis and the vaccine.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services recommends that all first year college students up to age 21 years should have at least 1 dose of the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine not more than 5 years before enrollment, preferably on or after their 16th birthday, and that young adults ages 16 through 23 years may choose to receive the Meningococcal B vaccine series. College and university students should discuss the Meningococcal B vaccine with a healthcare provider.

Luther College requires vaccination for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, meningococcal ACWY, TD/Tdap within 10 years, and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP/DTaP). If you do not already have an immunization record from your health care provider, page 1 of the Student Record Requirements Form can be used.

For medical or religious exemption, separate documentation must be provided.

• Medical Immunization Waiver Form
  This form is to be printed off, completed and signed by a health care provider.
• Religious Immunization Waiver Form
  This form is to be printed off and completed by the student or parent of the student if they are a minor.

Luther College also requires TB screening for all students who are identified as high risk.  Please consider the questions on page 2 of the Student Record Requirements Form to determine your individual risk.

Any domestic student answering YES to any of the screening questions needs to have the Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment Form completed by a health care provider.

All international students will receive a tuberculosis test from the Luther Clinic as part of International Orientation.

If a student’s insurance plan denies the claim for services provided through the Luther Clinic as out of network, WinnMed will work with students on a discounted rate. Students/families who have additional questions after consulting with their health insurance provider may call WinnMed at 844-617-6990.

Luther College has partnered with Assured Partners in Decorah to provide support for any domestic students with questions about obtaining health insurance that works well with Winneshiek Medical Center (WinnMed). Assured Partners will help students consider options on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, with Medicaid, and with private plans. Assured Partners may be reached by phone at 563-382-2981 or by email: Brian.Huinker@assuredpartners.com

International students are automatically enrolled in a health insurance plan; costs are billed to their student account.  Upon campus arrival, students will receive their insurance card.  The insurance card is needed when receiving health care services or to obtain prescribed medications at a local pharmacy.

Medicaid is a health insurance program based on income. In addition to meeting certain income levels, students need to meet specific eligibility requirements to receive Medicaid coverage. Please see the Iowa Medicaid website for eligibility.