Emergency Resources

Emergency help

• Medical emergencies
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  Hospital emergency rooms are best reserved for serious medical emergencies. If you are experiencing an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.

  Hospital ERs close to campus

  Regions Hospital at 640 Jackson Street, St. Paul

  University of Minnesota Medical Center at 2132 South 6th Street, Minneapolis

  *Please note that you are responsible for the cost of an emergency room visit. Charges will be billed to your insurance.

  Urgent medical care information

  If you have an urgent (but not life-threatening) medical concern that cannot wait for regular Counseling and Health Services office hours, you may seek care at one of the following locations:

  Allina Urgent Care—Bandana Square
  1020 Bandana Blvd E, Saint Paul 55104
  651-241-9700

  North Memorial Urgent Care—Roseville
  1835 West County Road C, Suite 150, Roseville 55113
  763-783-6200

  Health Partners Urgent Care—Como Clinic
  2500 Como Ave, Saint Paul 55108
  952-853-8800

  Parkway Family Physicians (open 24 hours)
  721 Snelling Avenue South, Saint Paul
  651-690-1311

  *Students are responsible for costs of urgent care center visits. Charges will be billed to your insurance. Please contact nursing staff at Counseling and Health Services for follow-up after receiving emergency or urgent care.
   

• Mental health emergencies
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  If you are in a situation that is immediately life-threatening, you should call 911.

  If you are not in imminent danger, but still need immediate assistance, you should go to the nearest hospital emergency room or contact one of the following resources:

  Mental health crisis resources (available 24/7)

  Ramsey County Mental Health Crisis Program
  651-266-7900
  Crisis counseling, consultation, crisis assessment, and crisis planning

  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

  Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

  Suicide Prevention Lifeline (online chat)

  The Trevor Project (phone/online chat/text crisis support for LGBTQ individuals): 1-866-488-7386

  Hospital emergency departments close to campus (open 24/7)

  Fairview Riverside Emergency Department, 2450 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis

  Regions Hospital Emergency Center, 640 Jackson Street, St. Paul
   

• Sexual violence
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  Hamline University encourages all students, faculty, or staff who have experienced sexual misconduct to seek the support and assistance necessary to heal and to plan for their future safety and success as an employee or student.

  Get help

• Emergency contraception
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  Emergency contraception is available from Counseling and Health Services.

  What is emergency contraception (EC)?
  EC is a method of birth control which can be used after intercourse to decrease the chance of pregnancy. EC is made of the hormone progestin.

  How does EC work?
  The pills work mainly by temporarily delaying the release of an egg (ovulation). If no egg is released, no pregnancy will occur. It may also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting by thinning the lining of the uterus and thickening the cervical mucus. Any existing pregnancy will not be affected.

  How do I use EC?
  EC is most effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. EC comes in the form of two pills. Take both pills with liquid right away. Be sure to follow prescription instructions.

  When should I use EC?
  EC can be used whenever there is a chance of pregnancy, such as unprotected intercourse, a broken condom, missed birth control pill(s), and/or sexual assault. EC is for emergencies and should not be used as a regular form of birth control.

  How effective is EC?
  Only about 1% of women who use EC will get pregnant. While very effective, a more reliable form of birth control is recommended for regular use. EC should be used when another method has failed.

  If a pregnancy does occur, studies have shown no increased risk of birth defects. If you do become pregnant, Counseling & Health Services offers counseling about pregnancy options and general information on parenting, adoption, and abortion.

  What are the side effects of EC?
  The most common side effect with EC is nausea. Some less common side effects include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. EC should be taken with food to reduce the chance of nausea.

  Will it affect my period?
  Your next period may be earlier or later than expected. Usually your period will start 2-3 weeks after you take EC. If you do not have a period within 3 weeks after taking EC, call Counseling and Health Services to schedule a pregnancy test.

  Will it protect me from infections?
  EC does not protect against HIV or other transmitted infections. If you had unprotected intercourse, you may want to consider being tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most STI tests are not accurate until at least two to three weeks after exposure.

  Who should not use EC?
  A person who is already pregnant should not use EC, although it will not affect any existing pregnancy.

  What if I’m taking birth control pills?
  If you are taking birth control pills, continue taking them on your usual schedule while taking EC. At the end of your pack of pills, skip the reminder pills, and start a new pack of pills at that time.

  You will not get a period this cycle. Your next period should come during the last week of the second pack of pills. If you do not have a period then, call Counseling and Health Services to schedule a pregnancy test.

  What if I’m on Depo-provera?
  If you were late for your Depo shot and had unprotected intercourse, EC may be a good option. Abstain from intercourse for ten days (or use two forms of birth control such as condom and spermicide), and return to Counseling & Health Services for a pregnancy test. If the test is negative, you may receive your next Depo shot at that time.

  What if I'm on the Patch?
  If you are using the patch, continue with your usual schedule. After you remove the third patch, skip the patch-free week and apply your next patch the same day.

  What if I'm on the Ring?
  If you are using the vaginal ring, remove your ring at the usual time. Skip the ring-free week and insert your next ring the same day.

  How will I know if the EC worked?
  Pregnancy tests are accurate 10 to 14 days after intercourse. Over-the-counter pregnancy tests are accurate, but can be difficult to read. Counseling and Health Services also offers pregnancy testing.

  If you have more questions about your current birth control and how it may be affected by using EC, talk to the pharmacist or call Counseling and Health Services to schedule an appointment with a provider. 

  Where is EC available?
  EC is available through Counseling and Health Services during regular medical appointments.

  After hours or on weekends, call 651-523-2204 for recorded instructions about emergency contraception, or call Lloyd's Pharmacy at 651-645-8636.

  To discuss any sexual health issues, contact:

  • Counseling and Health Services, 651-523-2204
  • Family Tree Clinic, 651-645-0478
  • Parkway Family Physicians, 651-690-1311

  Other issues you may want to discuss with the nurse:

  • You are sexually active, but currently do not use birth control
  • You're considering switching birth control methods and would like to discuss different birth control options
  • You want to know how to use your birth control method most effectively
  • You would like a referral for an annual exam and Pap
  • You have questions/concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

  ALL INFORMATION GIVEN TO COUNSELING and HEALTH SERVICES IS CONFIDENTIAL.
  For additional information about EC or free confidential information about birth control, sexually transmitted infections, or to find a clinic in our area, call:

  Minnesota Family Planning and STD Hotline: 1-800-78-FACTS