Health and Wellness Update, Feb. 8, 2022

As a community and as individuals we need to support our well-being. SHAW is a partner in your well-being and we encourage you to reach out to us. This newsletter includes a list of resources that may offer you additional support. If you are looking for information from a prior Weekly Update be sure to check the communications page of the COVID-19 Planning and Resources site.

On-Campus COVID-19 Updates

In the week of Jan. 30 through Feb. 5, five students had a confirmed positive test. Check the COVID-19 Dashboard for the latest numbers. Currently, we have one student in isolation space on-campus, one isolating off-campus and no students in quarantine space.

• Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
• Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

Since Jan. 1, we have had 60 students test positive through the on-campus testing program and 74 self-reported positive tests while away from Grinnell.

SHAW Walk-In Testing Clinic for Students

SHAW offers walk-in COVID-19 antigen testing for students with mild symptoms without an appointment from noon–3 p.m., Monday–Friday. Students experiencing more severe symptoms, or symptoms that have lasted for longer than a few days should call SHAW immediately at 641-269-3230 to schedule an appointment with a nurse. 

Access to COVID Tests

• The College health insurance plan now covers up to eight over-the-counter at-home tests per month (up to $12 per test). Tests can be purchased at most in-network pharmacies — you can view in-network pharmacies here.
  • If you purchase a test at an in-network pharmacy counter they can bill Wellmark directly.
  • If you purchase a test from an out-of-network pharmacy or at a regular checkout counter, you must pay out of pocket and then submit a reimbursement request.
  • Contact Wellmark Customer Service at 800-800-5122 with questions.
• For free rapid antigen tests, visit COVIDtests.gov. For free PCR tests, visit Test Iowa.
• Employees experiencing symptoms can get rapid antigen tests and employees and their household members can get PCR tests by contacting HR at 641-269-4818 (staff) or the Dean's office 641-269-3100 (faculty).

In the News | Resources

• Free Student STI screenings on Feb. 16. Pre-Appointment Required.
• Grinnell College COVID-19 Dashboard
• COVID Risk and Vaccine Tracker - Poweshiek County Area

SHAW Mental Wellness Programs for Spring Term

Whether you are looking to build stress management skills as a preventative measure or to help right now, SHAW’s counseling team has worked to provide students with a variety of options. In addition to Neolth and Virtual Care Group, spring term will see a variety of groups and workshops. Visit the SHAW Programs website for more details.

Skills Workshops – drop-in students welcome!

• Mondays: 12:30–1:30 p.m. Skills Workshop: Managing Emotions and Relationships (drop-in session)
• Thursdays: 11:15–11:45 a.m. 30 Minutes of Mindfulness

Groups – requires 30-minute enrollment meeting prior to joining

• Tuesdays: 11:30–12:30 p.m. Mindfully Understanding Yourself and Others (group one)
• Wednesdays: (starting end of Feb) 11 a.m.–noon International Student Support Group
• Wednesdays: 2-3 p.m. Mindfully Understanding Yourself and Others (group two)
• Thursdays: 11 a.m.–noon Mindfully Understanding Yourself and Others (group three)
• Fridays: TBD Athletics Support Group

Need to Talk?

• SHAW offers a 24/7 counseling hotline for Grinnell College students to have immediate access to counseling services. Call 641-269-4404.
• Counseling services are available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (Employee and Family Resources) for faculty and staff by phone at 800-327-4692 or TTY: 877-542-6488.

To Your Health,

Terry W. Mason, Ph.D.
Dean for Health and Wellness