The Community Health Collaborative offers on-going programs as well as a number of one-time programs and events throughout the semester. Keep your eyes open for advertising, join us on Facebook, or drop by to have a cup of tea and find out what's happening.

The Backrub Club
Yes, it’s really true…you can get a FREE 15-minute backrub from one of our trained student volunteers! This is an excellent way to relax, de-stress, and take care of yourself. There are regular drop-in hours Monday through Friday, afternoons and evenings, at the Community Health Collaborative (see below for this semester's hours). Training sessions are offered every fall to students interested in becoming volunteers--and you can use your vounteer work to meet your Div II community service requirement. One student called the Backrub Club the "Best Program at Hampshire. It relieves stress, and promotes community and community wellness."

Peer Meditation Program
Drop-in any day of the week for a half hour of meditation from 4:30-5:00 p.m. in the library kiva. Led by trained students. All are welcome.

Relaxation and Guided Meditation Links
Click on the links below to listen or download a guided meditation shown to improve well-being, learn a relaxing breathing technique, or be led through a progressive relaxation. Read by a Hampshire student, 2010.

De-stress with Breath

Progressive Relaxation

Guided Meditation

The Light Boxes
Community Health houses 2 light boxes available for use by students who experience mood and energy changes associated with the reduced daylight hours of fall and winter. Recommended use is about 30 minutes per day. The larger light box can be used at CHC, and the smaller light box can be signed out with a student ID.

The Biofeedback Device
We have a biofeedback device that gives you audiovisual signals to help regulate breathing and promote relaxation. This can be signed out with a student ID.

Safer Sex Supplies
Community Health distributes safer sex supplies (condoms, dental dams, gloves, and lube) to the house offices on a monthly basis, or you can stop in at Community Health to pick up your own supplies. We also have lots of information on safer sex, contraceptive options, STIs, and sexual health. Read the results of our Fall 2008 Safer Sex Survey!!

Lending Library and Brochures Galore!
Community Health has a growing library of books on a range of health-related topics, including: body image and eating disorders; sexual health; depression and suicidal thoughts; sexual and relationship violence; and alternative health modalities. You may come in to browse or borrow, and we welcome suggestions for additions to the library. We also have a wealth of brochures, handouts, and posters free for the taking.

Club Tub
We have two clean, private bathtubs, complete with bubbles, available to students suffering from tub withdrawal. Just drop in, and don’t forget to BYOT (towel).

Community Health Hours
Building Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Backrub Club Drop-In Hours

Monday-Thursday, 3-8 p.m., CHC

Friday 3-8 p.m., Center for Feminisms