Stop and ask any student on San Jose City College campus, “What’s the first door on the left when you enter the Student Center,” and you’ll probably get grunts and blank stares.

“The Health Center is a place for students to go when they have little money and most of the time, no insurance,” said Janet Chang, director of Student Health Services.

“There is no co-payment and no fees to come to the clinic,” Chang said, “We assist in STD testing, medicating patients with diabetes or asthma, helping students stop smoking and even getting eyeglasses.”

Besides all the benefits, the clinic is completely confidential. “In the office we are very confidential, which is one of the reasons for the tinted window,” Chang said. “We keep everything private, including news to yours parents about Planned Parenthood treatment (birth control).”

The staff in the Health Center has helped several students such as Raymond Woods, age 49, psychology major.

“I first went to the clinic to get Aspirin,” Wood said. “It turns out that I had very high blood pressure. This was at a time when I didn’t have insurance and couldn’t afford medication.”

free; however, there is a small charge for the medication.

“Dr. Tony and the rest of the staff helped me get the medication I needed and also get insurance through Valley Medical,” Woods said. “There is no waiting time and no big bill at the end. The clinic is very helpful.”

Services that are not included in the health fee include: “hospitalization, laboratory, ambulance, x-rays, pharmacy fees involving off-campus care, family coverage or on-going medical care,” said Lisa Little, nurse.

The next time someone asks you what is that first door on the left, when you enter the Student Center you will know. Maybe you can even walk inside.

Clinic hours are: Monday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s closed Friday

Sunday.

They are open for walk-ins, as well as appointments.