SANTA ANA COLLEGE el Don / eldonnews . org • MONDAY , APRIL 30 , 2018
VIEWS 9
STAFF EDITORIAL SAC ’ s Sickening Decision
Santiago Canyon enjoys regular nurse hours while Santa Ana ’ s get slashed . How can our district say it values all students equally ?
The decision to drastically reduce available nurse hours at Santa Ana College ’ s Health and Wellness Center is a clear disregard for the well-being of our student body . Students who require nurse-specific medical assistance , such as immunizations , physicals or blood pressure checks , are now turned away on Tuesdays and Fridays . While our district spends millions funding delayed construction projects and controversial overseas ventures , our students suffer the indignity of policies that ignore student needs where oftentimes the only medical attention they might receive is through the Health and Wellness Center . To you , chancellor Raul Rodriguez , who receives $ 2,500 a month since your move from Northern California in 2010 , SAC President Linda Rose , and trustees who oversee all district functions — is saving money a greater priority than essential medical care for students ? We don ’ t think so , but hey , we are only students , and we hope there are other reasons to have a college besides making money . While our students continue to pay a mandatory $ 19 health fee each semester to help fund the health center ’ s budget , Santiago Canyon College students pay the same fee and yet enjoy far more nurse hours . For more than 30 hours each week , a nurse is available at SCC to assist students with their medical needs . At SAC , a nurse is here only Monday and Wednesday for four hours and for five hours on Fridays — totaling 13 hours , less than half the hours at SCC . Our college clearly has lost its focus . With nearly double the number of enrolled students , SAC should not struggle to afford more health center hours while SCC relishes in flexible operation hours and easier accessibility to health options . If SCC receives regular available hours each week , SAC should enjoy those same benefits . If not , can our district say it values all its students equally ? The health center extends beyond an on-campus resource to receive free supplies and brochures filled with information . For many students , the center offers medical services they may be unable to afford on their own , such as emergency visits , STI testing , outside referrals and routine check-ups . What we ask for is fairness from the district and the college , or else we are left to consider why we at SAC are undervalued . Is that the message you want to send to your students ? Because your actions speak volumes .
Dennis Guirola / el Don