WHEREAS, A significant number [as per the first source provided 53.8% of average adults] of California community college students live with chronic illnesses, such as but not limited to, autoimmune disorders, asthma, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic pain, and these conditions can have a significant impact on attendance and overall academic performance; and
WHEREAS, Students living with chronic illnesses often experience difficulties in receiving regular medical care, managing their medication, and receiving health accommodations due to financial, insurance, and health service issues; and
WHEREAS, Community college students living with chronic illnesses often experience changing symptoms that necessitate flexible academic accommodations, timely access to physical health services, and knowledge of available health resources on and off campus; and
WHEREAS, Community colleges have varying levels of physical health service and chronic illness support, resulting in inequitable access to health care and accommodations across California community colleges; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate, in partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, to provide increased support and resources to community colleges to develop on-campus physical health services that assist students living with chronic illnesses, such as preventative care, symptom management, and access to affordable and/or low-cost healthcare providers.
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges urge colleges to enhance outreach and education each semester about health services, disability services, and academic accommodations available to students with chronic illnesses; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges collaborate with the Chancellor’s Office to promote best practices for students with chronic illnesses, such as flexible attendance policies, faculty awareness campaigns, and the integration of student health services and disability services.
Citations:
[1] CDC report — Chronic Conditions Among Adults Aged 18–34 Years (2019 data): https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7130a3.htm
[2] CDC research brief on chronic health conditions and academic outcomes: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/chronic_conditions/pdfs/2017_02_15-C… chievement_Final_508.pdf
[3] CDC/BFRSS trends showing high chronic condition prevalence among young adults and overall adults: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12007472/
[4] Article on basic needs insecurity and student well-being in California community colleges (Inside Higher Ed):
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/health-wellness/202… ornia-community-college-students-lack