Health and Well-Being Checklist for New Reedies
Dear student,
Welcome to Reed!
I’m Katrina, Associate Dean of Health & Well-being in the Division of Student Life at Reed. I look forward to meeting you this fall and celebrating with you at Convocation as we welcome you into the Reed community.
As you prepare for your arrival, I’d like to share some important information to help you get ready for a healthy, successful start at Reed.
Connect with your current healthcare provider.
Reach out to your healthcare provider this summer to discuss your health needs and make a plan for your care while you’re at Reed. Some students continue receiving care through telehealth, while others establish care with providers in the Portland area.
Complete your required health forms.
New students must submit required health documents, including a health history form, TB screening, and proof of MMR vaccination. Please also ensure you are up to date on meningococcal (meningitis) and Tdap vaccines, along with other recommended immunizations before arriving on campus.
Review your health insurance.
All students are automatically enrolled in the 2026–27 Reed student health insurance plan through PacificSource, which includes coverage in the Portland area. If you already have your own health insurance and do not need the Reed plan, you must submit a waiver confirming that your existing plan meets Reed’s comparable coverage requirements.
Update your emergency contacts.
Review your emergency contacts in IRIS and make sure they are the people you want informed in the event of a situation affecting your health, well-being, or safety.
Plan ahead for your health needs.
If you take prescription medications, consider transferring them to a Portland-area pharmacy and bring enough to last through your arrival and first weeks on campus. You may also want to pack a small health kit with essentials such as pain relievers, allergy medication, cough drops, bandages, hand sanitizer, a thermometer, masks, and a flashlight.
Explore campus health resources.
Review the services offered at Reed’s Health and Counseling Center (HCC). In addition to primary care services, the HCC offers short-term, solution-focused counseling, as well as up to 12 free teletherapy sessions each year through Uwill. Students needing longer-term care will be connected with community providers.
Start building connections.
A strong sense of community is an important part of student well-being. If you’re interested in meeting other new students before classes begin, consider participating in Reed’s Outdoor Odyssey program. These outdoor adventures take place August 29–30 and offer a chance to explore the Pacific Northwest, build friendships, and ease the transition to campus life.
I look forward to welcoming you to campus and supporting you as you begin your time at Reed.
Be well,
Katrina Kahl, MPH
Associate Dean of Students for Health & Well-being