Introducing Ask a Nurse: Your go-to service for health-related questions

Shared with permission.

Written by Ayan Wehliye

Ayan Wehliye, RN BScN, is a Public Health Nurse within the Health Services team at Student Counselling, Health and Well-being (SCHW). She is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of students by ensuring they have the education and services available to them to lead a healthier and more balanced life. 

Welcome to the new school year, Lions! The Student Health team hopes you had a safe, relaxing and fun summer. We're excited to have you on campus and have some exciting news to share! 

Have you ever had a health-related question, but aren’t sure where to go or who to ask? York has a new initiative that can help you with just that. Read on to find out more about Ask a Nurse! 

What is Ask a Nurse?

Student Counselling, Health and Well-being's Health Services have launched a new service called Ask a Nurse, where you can ask our Public Health Nurses your health-related questions. This confidential service is provided at no cost. 

How do I ask a nurse my question?

There are two ways you can get in touch with the Ask a Nurse team.  

  1. Drop by our in-person tabling events throughout the year across the Keele, Markham and Glendon campuses.  

  2. Fill out the Ask a Nurse contact form on our website. We will do our best to get back to you within five business days. 

What can Public Health Nurses help with?

Our Public Health Nurses are here to help answer your questions and empower you to make informed health choices.  

Public Health Nurses can:  

  • discuss your general health-related questions and/or concerns;  

  • assist you with finding a new doctor or primary care provider; 

  • provide information and resources on a variety of mental and physical health topics;  

  • provide information and resources on community clinics, social services and health initiatives in the GTA;  

  • assist international students with navigating the Canadian healthcare system; and 

  • support all students, including Black, POC, 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous and persons with disabilities, with finding healthcare services that support their needs. 

It’s important to know that York’s Public Health Nurses do not have a physical clinic on campus and may need to redirect your questions and concerns if they are outside of their scope of practice. 

Public Health Nurses cannot: 

  • diagnose or treat any illness or concerns; 

  • complete physical health assessments; 

  • renew prescriptions or make specialist referrals; or 

  • provide urgent medical care. Please call 911 if you are experiencing a crisis or are in medical distress.  

For a list of other health services, helplines and facilities, visit York’s Well-being resources webpage.  

Remember Lions, a healthy school year starts with a healthy you! To learn more about what health services and resources are available to you, come to see us on campus or fill out the online contact form and a Public Health Nurse will get back to you. We wish you a healthy school year and look forward to seeing you soon.