WMU health center wants to help more financially strapped students

When economic times get tough medical care can be one of the things college students sacrifice.

A retired Western Michigan University physician doesn’t want that to happen. Dr. W. Bryan Staufer, of Texas Township, and his wife Kathy, have established an emergency assistance fund to help WMU students pay for medical care given by the university’s Sindecuse Health Center. And now the university health center is launching a formal fundraising effort to build the fund.

Since the fund’s inception in 2005, the monies have been used sparingly. The Staufers’ contribution has been supplemented through informal fundraising and donations by Sindecuse staff.

About 100 students with diabetes, cancer, mental illness and other chronic conditions have received financial support to cover the medical costs that could have derailed their education plans.

The fund is intended not for ongoing care, but to pay for acute short term needs, such as the purchase of antibiotics, antidepressants and other medications that would cause significant problems for students if they had to go without them. The fund covers only medical expenses incurred at Sindecuse, and those receiving assistance pay on a sliding fee scale that includes at least a 25 percent co-payment.

An estimated 15 percent of WMU’s students are uninsured or under-insured as a result of the down economy and unemployment of parents who once were able to afford health care for themselves and their children.

Whenever possible, the health care center helps eligible students obtain access community programs that are available and works with pharmaceutical patient assistance programs to obtain free prescription medications for students with chronic health issues. But even those steps are not enough to cover some student’s needs.

“We know that academic success is directly related to good health,” says Fran Morrow, Sindecuse director of medical social work.

Donations may be made through the WMU Foundation at its website by check, credit card or electronic funds transfer.

Writer: Kathy Jennings

Fran Morrow, Western Michigan University