Update from Employee Health Plans

As we have met with faculty, staff, and health care professionals about the changes to health benefits for the 2026 year, we have learned much about the health care experiences and questions from our USC community.  If you have missed earlier walk-through presentations providing an overview of the changes, recordings and slide deck presentations are available…Continue Reading Update from Employee Health Plans

Update on Respiratory Season: COVID-19 Vaccines

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health endorses recently released vaccination guidance from the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. All adults 18+ should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine and vaccine should be available for all children whose parents wish them vaccinated. Those with higher risk should get the updated vaccine as soon as it’s available from their medical provider or nearby pharmacy.

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National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in addiction and mental health recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. It culminates on Sept. 30, with the International Recovery Day celebrating stories of recovery. Narcan is a covered benefit of the USC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP/Aetna); all students on this plan can obtain Narcan without a prescription (in CA); it is available at the USC Pharmacies and other retailers….Continue Reading National Recovery Month

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination 2026

As we enter peak respiratory illness season, we strongly recommend that all USC students, faculty, and university staff receive influenza vaccinations for the 2025-2026 season. 

Vaccinations are an important tool available to us to keep transmission levels low, keep illness from disrupting our daily campus activities, and to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Alongside good hygiene measures that we became familiar with during the pandemic; testing when symptomatic; choosing to mask when appropriate; and staying home when sick — we have many tools we can use to keep our community safer from illness….Continue Reading Seasonal Influenza Vaccination 2026

COVID-19: What should I do?

Instructions for individuals testing positive for COVID-19 Tests are available at no cost at the Engemann and Eric Cohen Student Health Center locations. TESTED POSITIVE, NO SYMPTOMS (see symptom list)Isolation is not required. Wear a well-fitting, high-quality respiratory mask when around others for 10days (the date of your initial test is day zero). You may…Continue Reading COVID-19: What should I do?

Building a Culture of Consent

Building a culture of consent is a fundamental step in eliminating sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and gender-based harm in our campus communities. Every member of our USC student community is expected to understand that clearly obtaining consent in relationships and intimate encounters is the norm and reflects our Unifying Values as Trojans. Respect for others is how Trojans should treat each other….Continue Reading Building a Culture of Consent

Mental Wellbeing, Resources for the Campuses

Occasional stress can compel us to grow and meet new challenges – but at times, we may feel overwhelmed or disappointed, or feel we are struggling with bigger difficulties than we can manage. Connecting to the right resource is the first step in creating a more supportive campus environment. Help is always available….Continue Reading Mental Wellbeing, Resources for the Campuses

“Re-think the Drink” Text Campaign Launches for Football Season Game Days

Person's hand declining a beer, while people watch a football game on TV in the backround.

This fall 2025, USC Campus Health is rolling out Re-think the Drink, a proactive texting initiative designed to help students make thoughtful decisions about alcohol use during big season social events—specifically football game days. Two Tailored Pathways for Students The campaign offers text-message support along two distinct “paths,” depending on student preference: Empowering Students, Whatever…Continue Reading “Re-think the Drink” Text Campaign Launches for Football Season Game Days

Dr. Sarah Van Orman Receives Prestigious ACHA Lifetime Achievement Award

Sarah Van Ormand and Stephanie Hanenberg

Los Angeles, CA — July 1, 2025 — The American College Health Association (ACHA) has named Dr. Sarah Van Orman, Vice President and Chief Campus Health Officer at the University of Southern California, as the recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award for the 2024–2025 program year. This honor recognizes individuals whose careers have been dedicated to improving the…Continue Reading Dr. Sarah Van Orman Receives Prestigious ACHA Lifetime Achievement Award