Physical Health
Food and clothing are vital components when addressing student basic needs. Food insecurity for college students is not a new phenomenon. As early as 1999, long-term studies1 were conducted to determine the effects of food insecurity on postsecondary outcomes. The pandemic demonstrated that more effort was required to meet the true needs of all learners, thereby impacting outcomes. It's been noted that roughly 52%2 of students have faced hunger while attending college.
Many students on campus may face financial hardships due to educational costs and cannot afford weather-appropriate clothing. Providing clothing options through thrift stores on campus can promote independence, reduce stigma, and boost students' self-esteem and confidence. This can instill a sense of campus community when all basic needs are met by resources provided directly on campus to remove barriers for students to access them.
Resources
Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative (pa.gov) includes building a coalition of colleges and universities focused on addressing hunger and other basic needs for their students, creating opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates, providing resources and strategies for campuses, and supporting opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity.
COMPASS is a website through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) that brings together services available for application for those who qualify. Campuses can sign up to be a PA COMPASS partner.
Play a video that explains the COMPASS resources.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) provides immunization information for all Pennsylvanians and
information on getting healthcare. Health insurance may be a requirement for students at certain institutions enrolled in specific programs. Ensuring students have a clear understanding of these requirements and are provided resources to access health care from the start of their education journey will aid in their success. This includes access to fitness centers and local health facilities.
The Pennsylvania
Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) allows drug, alcohol, and other human services professionals to register for trainings offered throughout the Commonwealth. DDAP launched a free web-based treatment locator displaying transparent, objective information on the quality of addiction treatment facilities.
Treatment Atlas brings information to the forefront, helping individuals with substance use disorder, families, and community members alike in locating and comparing addiction facilities based on the quality of care.
The nation's opioid epidemic is important to learn about and to educate students on. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) offers a robust resource page for
Opioid Awareness. Through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and NEXT Distro, anyone can get
naloxone mailed to their home for free. Training is available at the Department of Health's approved training on
TRAIN PA. This easy-to-understand training will cover the origins of the opioid crisis, explain how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, what to do in the event of an overdose, and instruct on how to give naloxone.
Thinking strategically about Physical Health
- Providing information on resources such as the nearest health facility, fitness centers, and nutritional resources students can access can help students navigate stress in healthy ways.
- How accessible are the resources on campus? Is the food pantry in a closet tucked away, or is it visible to all students? Are there frozen and fresh options? Are there resources available to show students how to cook the food?
- Train resident directors to use Naloxone in the event of an overdose.
- Establish a peer mentorship program.
- Strengthen collaboration with local community organizations.
1 Food Insecurity During College Years Linked to Lower Graduation Rate | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health (jhu.edu)
2 The Hope Center Student Basic Needs Survey | The Hope Center for College Community and Justice (temple.edu)