Health and Counseling Services at the University of Southern Maine

10/13/2025

🌿 Indigenous Peoples’ Day 🌿

In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, USM Health Services will be closed.

If you need urgent medical care during this time, please visit the nearest Urgent Care or Emergency Room.
👉 In case of a true emergency, dial 911.

We honor and recognize the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples today and every day. 💙

— USM Health Services

10/08/2025

What changes should you look for?

-A lump or mass that feels different from the rest of your breast
-Swelling, redness, or warmth
-Skin changes, such as dimpling or puckering
-Ni**le changes, like new discharge, inversion, or pain
-Persistent breast pain (lasting more than 4–6 weeks), especially if it is in one spot
-Any other change that feels unusual to you

What should you do if you notice a change?

-Don’t panic—most breast changes are not cancer.
-Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss what you’ve noticed.

Routine breast cancer screening

-For most people under age 40, regular mammograms are not needed unless you have higher risk factors (like a strong family history or certain genetic conditions).
-Your healthcare provider may do a clinical breast exam every 1–3 years as part of your checkups.
-If you have a higher risk, talk to your provider about when to start screening and what tests are best for you.

Tips for breast self-awareness
-Get to know what is normal for your breasts.
-There is no “right” or “wrong” way—just pay attention.
-If you want to learn more about breast health or screening, come see us at USM Health Services.

Remember: Most breast cancers in young women are found because the person noticed a change themselves. Being aware of your body and speaking up if you notice something different is the best way!

10/08/2025

This past weekend, several of our USM Staff Members joined Chris Corson from the ROCC to attend the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP) Walks held in Portland. The AFSP raised over 120K at this event to support mental health/suicide research. Special thanks to Lisa Eddy and the Wellness Committee who worked with Cigna, to enable our attending staff members to earn their level 2 Wellness credit! If you are interested in supporting this special event or more events like this in the future, please reach out to Chris Corson at the ROCC or check out the USM Maine ROCC website!

10/02/2025

09/08/2025

Today is the second annual 988 Awareness Day!

09/05/2025

September = Cholesterol Awareness Month

Did you know?

1 in 3 adults has high cholesterol

There are no symptoms — only a blood test can tell

Too much “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can raise your risk for heart disease & stroke

👉 The good news:
🍎 Eat more fruits/veggies & whole grains
🏃 Stay active
🚭 Avoid smoking
🥤 Cut back on alcohol
🩺 Get your cholesterol checked (every 4–6 years or sooner if at risk)

Take care of your heart, Huskies 💙💛 — future you will thank you!

08/28/2025

💉✨ Did you know? ✨💉

USM Health Services received a donation from Martin’s Point Healthcare to help students get the vaccinations they need!

If you’re a current USM student who is:
✔️ Uninsured (no health insurance) OR
✔️ Underinsured (your plan doesn’t cover the full cost of vaccines + you have financial difficulty)

➡️ We can help cover the cost of your REQUIRED State of Maine or program-specific vaccinations (this includes your course required immunizations as well).

📞 Contact Health Services at 207-780-5411 to learn more or schedule your appointment today!

05/10/2025

🎓💙 Congratulations, USM Graduates! 💙🎓

From all of us at USM Health Services, we’re sending a big shoutout to the Class of 2025! 🥳

You've worked hard, stayed strong, and reached this incredible milestone — and we’re so proud of you.

👏 Whether we supported you through a cold, a vaccine, or a tough semester, it’s been our honor to be part of your journey.

Wishing you good health, happiness, and success wherever life takes you next! 🌟

05/06/2025

👩‍⚕️💙 Happy Nurses Week! 💙👨‍⚕️

This week, we celebrate the compassion, dedication, and expertise of nurses everywhere — including our very own Family Nurse Practitioners at USM Health Services! 🎉

Our FNPs are here to support your well-being year-round with services like:
✔️ Personalized healthcare
✔️ Telehealth for non-urgent issues
✔️ Immunizations, lab draws, wound care, and so much more!

Watch stories this week to learn about our family nurse practitioners!

🩺 Whether you’re on either campus or connecting virtually, USM Health Services is here for YOU.

📞 Call 207-780-5411 or 📧 email usmhealthservices@maine.edu to schedule or learn more.

05/05/2025

Finals week is tough—but burning yourself out won’t get you the grade. 💡

✅ Prep smart to avoid last-minute panic
😴 Sleep to boost memory + focus
🥗 Eat real meals and don’t forget water
🏃‍♀️ Move your body to stay sharp
🧘 Take short mental breaks to reset

You’re not a machine—you’re human.
Take care of yourself while you study. You’ve got this. 💪📚

If you need us, Health Services is here for you too!