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MU
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Finding a Doctor or Dentist
If a friend cannot direct you to a physician or dentist, you may call Community Health Services (874-7355) or look in the Yellow Pages. It is essential to telephone for an appointment before going to a doctor or dentist. You may have to wait a few days for an appointment unless you are sick or in need of a doctor immediately.
Hospitals
The primary hospitals in Columbia are:
University Hospitals and Clinics
There are several specialized outpatient clinics of treatment for those who do not need in-patient hospital care. Those commonly used are:
- Department of Child Health (882-6921) - available for children up to the age of 19. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Family Medicine Clinic (882-6191) - is available for all family members. An appointment is necessary.
University of Missouri Student Health Services
Run by the University Hospital and Clinics, the Student Health Center is located on the MU campus at 1101 Hospital Drive in the University Physicians Medical Building. Services, including foreign travel immunizations, are available for MU students only - not for dependents. For information on office hours and services available call 882-7481.
Columbia/Boone County Health Department
Located at 1005 West Worley (874-7355) the health department clinic offers the following:
- Pediatric (Children's) Clinic provides free immunizations for children under 18 years of age.
- Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center. Located at 3 Hospital Drive (449-2511), the Center provides in-patient and outpatient treatment for children with learning problems and for emotionally disturbed children, youths and adults.
- Fees are based upon the patient's ability to pay.
- Counseling services for MU students are free.
Missouri Department of Mental Health
Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center (MMHC), located at 3 hospital Drive, is a state run agency that provides in-patient treatment for children with learning problems and for emotionally disturbed children, youths, and adults. Fees for services provided are based on the patient's ability to pay. For more information on services provided by either of these facilities, call 449-2511.
Instruction in First Aid and CPR
The American Red Cross, located at 1511 Providence Road (449-2656) and 1805 W. Worley (445-9411), regularly offers classes in both first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), a method of restoring breathing and heartbeat to someone who has stopped breathing because of an accident or illness. Call the Red Cross for more information.
Rape and Abuse Shelter/Hotline
If you or someone you know has been raped or abused, the following information may help:
- Contact the Rape and Abuse Shelter/Hotline (875-1370). The phone will be answered 24 hours a day by someone who will offer help and/or counseling to people who are victims of rape or physical abuse in their homes or elsewhere.
- Rape victims can get counseling by telephone or in person. If the person wishes, someone from the hotline will accompany them to the hospital or police station.
- All counseling is confidential; the police are called only if the victim requests it.
- Those who are abused in their home can have shelter in a safe-house for themselves and their children (if applicable) while they think over their situation and to decide what to do next. There is no charge.
Maternity and Prenatal Care
- Pregnancy Testing - If you think you are pregnant, you can go to your own doctor or to one of the public health agencies listed in the "Yellow Pages" under Pregnancy Counseling for a pregnancy test, or you may purchase a home pregnancy test from a local pharmacy. If you choose to go to a public health agency, you should call ahead for an appointment and cost information.
- Prenatal Care - Most women in the U.S. have regular checkups by an obstetrician during pregnancy. One resource is the Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB\GYN) Clinic at the University Hospital and Clinics (882-7184).
- Prenatal Classes - Expectant parents are finding it very helpful to receive information and instructions about pregnancy, childbirth and baby care. There are several resources in Columbia for expectant parents, such as the Boone Clinic (if your doctor is a member of that staff); the OB/GYN Clinic of the University Hospital and Clinics; and the adult education department at Hickman High School (886-2291). Ask your doctor about these and other sources of assistance in preparation for childbirth and caring for the baby.
- WIC (Women-Infants-Children) Program - If there is a nutritional or health risk, this program provides nutrition education and supplemental food for women who are pregnant, breast-feeding or postpartum, and for infants and children under 5 years of age. It is essential to make an appointment for an interview to discuss your situation. The program is part of the Columbia Health Department (874-7384), 600 E. Broadway, basement level. Application to the WIC program may affect your nonimmigrant status in the United States. If you believe you are eligible for the WIC program, make sure you indicate, during the interview, that you are in nonimmigrant status in the United States.
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