Student Health

Cornell Health is well-prepared and brings numerous resources to bear in support the health of Cornellians and the campus community. We have an excellent, well-resourced facility and staff, our employees include talented and compassionate medical and mental health clinicians, as well as public health professionals with decades of experience in infection control and communicable disease prevention and treatment. Cornell Health has been integral to COVID-19 planning and response since the first cases of the illness were diagnosed and since the beginning of the crisis we have been successful in not only shifting our model of care to pandemic operations within Cornell Health, but also developing a robust suite of telehealth services to allow for the continuity of medical and mental health support for students, including those who were sent home during the middle of the spring semester.

Many of our staff are involved in campus efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when students return for the fall semester. Should the number of cases spike locally this fall, Cornell Health has the flexibility in space and staffing to shift operations as needed. Our award-winning facility includes negative pressure treatment rooms, equipment for respiratory protection, a laboratory with first-rate diagnostic capabilities and an on-site pharmacy. We also partner closely with the Cayuga Medical Center and with the county health department. Additionally, our staff are part of an extensive network of thought leaders across the nation and we collaborate continuously on issues related to COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

Students are encouraged to call Cornell Health to schedule a visit with a medical provider or mental health professional if they need to do so. Cornell Health is fully staffed and operational for telehealth services and will continue to be pivotal partners to support the health and wellbeing of students. While in-person visits are limited to protect student and staff safety, telehealth will remain in place to address medical and mental health needs.

Cornell Health provides a wide range of services – including medical care and counseling – through video visits and other telehealth visits, available to students without a copay. To schedule an appointment, students can call Cornell Health at 607-255-5155.

• Telehealth visits are available without a copay to those covered on a Cornell student health plan (SHP or SHP+) and to those who pay the student health fee. 
• A student’s location and need will determine their appointment type (learn more about eligibility for services). 
• To schedule an appointment, students can call Cornell Health at 607-255-5155 or log in to myCornellHealth and send a secure message requesting an appointment.

Additionally, the cultural centers and student empowerment area staff members will still be available to support and connect with students virtually.

Cornell community members are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, and may be experiencing a myriad of emotions including anxiety, grief, loneliness and worry for the future. Those who could benefit from support are encouraged to connect with the resources below.

• Students on the Ithaca campus may contact Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). 
• Students at Cornell Tech may contact Student Services for support.
• Faculty and staff in Ithaca and New York City may contact the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP). Additional health plan benefits, including telehealth services are also available to benefits-eligible employees.
• Chaplains and spiritual advisors in Cornell United Religious Work (CURW) are available to speak with students seeking spiritual support and care, online and/or by phone.
• Confidential care and support for individuals affected by bias is also available, and any member of the community can report a bias incident or related concerns.

Adopting some important behaviors even before you return to campus will greatly benefit your own health as well as the safety of the Cornell community when you arrive. You should monitor your health and seek viral testing as necessary, engage in excellent hand hygiene, practice physical distancing, wear face coverings and become familiar with CDC guidelines on safe travel.

Yes, Student Health Plan (SHP) and Student Health Plan Plus (SHP+) are designed to provide students with access to health care wherever they live or travel. SHP and SHP+ use the Aetna network, and it is common for U.S. health care providers to participate with this network. SHP and SHP+ also provide coverage internationally.

SHP and SHP+ provide a critical safety net to ensure that all students, regardless of location, have access to quality and affordable healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also fund Cornell Health services, which now include telehealth medical and mental health services for students in the United States, as well as support and care management services wherever students reside. Learn more about using your student health benefits.

Cornell’s Student Health Plan and Student Health Plan Plus provide coverage for plan members who require testing and/or treatment for COVID-19. Learn more on the Student Health Benefits website.