Wellness Resources

Harper College offers all gender bathrooms that are accessible by everyone in the following locations:

• Building C: C110 and C229
• Building H: H131
• Building P: P136B and P219B
• Building D: D147 and D247
• Building F: F167 and F254
• Building M: M1103RR and M2303RR

Farmer's Fridge offers fresh food vending machines on campus located at:

• Building L, across from the bookstore
• Building X, southeast corner by the Massage Therapy Clinic

Harper College Counseling Services provides support for students across 3 main areas: Career – Personal – Educational.

Campus Recreation is located in the Foglia Foundation Health and Recreation Center (Building M) and offers a unique fitness and recreational experience for students, faculty, staff and the community. The 135,000 square foot; state-of-the-art facility offers a four court fieldhouse, suspended jogging track, group exercise classes, aquatics center, fitness studios, cardio/strength areas and numerous programs, services, intramural sport activities and special events.

Students and members receive access to the complete group exercise class schedule. Check out the complete list of classes on the Health and Recreation Center's Group Exercise page. 

Hawks Care offers students free food, personal hygiene supplies, school supplies, lunch/grocery/gas cards and other resources. We partner with several external agencies within the Harper College service area that offer housing, additional food, and transportation support.

Harper College provides faculty, staff and students who are nursing mothers with secure lactation rooms. These rooms provide a space where nursing mothers can comfortably and privately pump. Please note, you will need to bring all of your own equipment. Most rooms are locked and only accessible with a key.

If you're a student and you need to obtain a key, contact Beth Ripperger, Manager of Harper Wellness, at 847-925-6963 or email at eripperg@harpercollege.edu. If you're an employee, please contact Jodie Olsen, Benefits Assistant, at 847- 925-6217 or jolsen@harpercollege.edu. The private lactation rooms at Harper College are listed below:

• Building C, Room C114a
• Building D, Room D149
• Building F, Room F355
• Health and Recreation Center, Building M, Room M2301 (no key required)
• Harper Professional Center, Room 107 and 108 (Please note, these are private bathrooms and no key is required for entry)

Additional Information:

• Chicagoland College & University Lactation Room Location Guide: List of lactations spaces at various colleges and university in the Chicagoland area.

The Massage Therapy Clinic provides a supportive environment where each student can practice and perfect their skills in preparation for a career in Massage Therapy. Schedule your massage today.

Located on the campus and accessible from Harper’s Algonquin Road entrance, the Foglia Foundation Health and Recreation Center (Building M) includes an NCH Outpatient Care Center. Onsite health services will be provided to students, staff and the community including:

• Immediate care
• Occupational health
• Student health services
• Laboratory services
• Physical therapy
• Imaging

Check out resources here

Specific resources and information for undocumented students as it relates to navigating college at Harper College.

• Alcoholics Anonymous at Harper College: Closed meeting for those who have a desire to stop drinking. The group 

• meets on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm in Building A, Cafeteria
• Addiction Center: Free and confidential assistance (24/7) with drug and alcohol rehab treatment options, resources and information. Phone: 855.706.9275
• Al-Anon Family Groups: Al-Anon members and meetings are for people who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. You can find a meeting near you by visiting the Al-Anon website.
• Alcohol Addiction Center: Their mission is to provide information and resources for anyone struggling with an alcohol problem, either through a friend or family member, or with a problem of their own. They are not a facility. Each situation is unique, and they strive to educate and inform people about alcoholism. 
• Cannabis Legalization - Findings from the Young Adult Health Survey: Report about what the University of Washington has learned after six years of cannabis being legalized in the state.
• College Alcohol Intervention Matrix (AIM): CollegeAIM is a resource to help schools address harmful and underage student drinking. Developed with leading college alcohol researchers and staff, it is an easy-to-use and comprehensive tool to identify effective alcohol interventions.
• Collegiate Recovery Communities: Information and resources for college students in recovery.
• DUI Costs: Article outlining the costs of receiving a drunk driving ticket in addition to other alcohol and other drug resources.
• Kenneth Young Center: The Kenneth Young Center is a not-for-profit in the Northwest Chicago suburbs, focused on fostering healthier communities through counseling for adults, children, families; assessment, stabilization, linkage for adults/children in psychiatric crisis; treatment, support, and recovery services for those with serious mental illness; service coordination and in-home services for older adults; substance use prevention and recovery; alcohol, drug, and pregnancy prevention programs  for youth; LGBTQ+ Center for youth and young adults; volunteer opportunities. 
• Marijuana Facts: Information about marijuana consumption and risks associated with substance use.
• National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: NIAAA supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being. It is the largest funder of alcohol research in the world.
• Opioid Help: News, Information and resources about opioids.
• Palatine Club AA Meetings: Palatine meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, Alanon, Alateen, and other twelve-step groups.
• Sober Nation: List of various drug treatment facilities, resources and articles to assist an individual in getting sober. 
• Students in Recovery Guide: A guide to help assist students who are seeking alcohol and/or drug treatment and recovery during college.
• Substance Abuse in Healthcare: Addiction resources and expert advice for healthcare professionals and students.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

Treatment Navigator: Alcohol treatment options.

• Addiction Counselor: Resources for mental health issues, signs and where to seek help. 
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Research, educational programs, support for loss survivors, advocacy and events surrounding suicide prevention.
• JED Foundation: The Jed Foundation empowers teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults.
• Mental Health America of Illinois: Committed to increasing the public's access to science-based mental health information.
• Mental Health Resources in Illinois: Directory of Family-Endorsed Providers features multiple mental health resources in the state of Illinois. All of the Illinois providers listed have been recommended by a family member of a person who has used their services and have been carefully vetted by an Advisory Group. 
• National Alliance on Mental Illness | Illinois
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The 24/7 lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loves ones:1-800-273-8255.
• Seize the Awkward: Tips on how to talk to someone you are worried about, signs to watch out for and conversation starters.
• The Trevor Project: A crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 866.488.7386.
• To Write Love on Her Arms: To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

• American Heart Association: Receive information health and wellness information and tips about healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, fitness, recipes, stress management, losing weight and more.
• American Cancer Society: Get everything you need to know about cancer, from the basics to detailed information on more than 70 different cancer types.
• Go Ask Alice: Health and wellness website that provides answers to frequently asked questions. Information is provided by health promotions professionals, health care providers, and other health professionals at Columbia University.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Provides information about new and emerging health threats, disease prevention and intervention, healthy and safe behaviors, health issues and causes of death and disability for Americans and other public health problems.
• Health Finder
• Hoffman Estates VA Clinic: Mental Health Care, Primary Care, Dermatology and Specialty Care services for veterans.
• Illinois Department of Public Health
• Mayo Clinic: Provides information about diseases, conditions, tests and procedures, symptoms, research, education, services and other healthcare information.
• Medline Plus: Information about symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention for over 1,000 diseases, illnesses, health conditions and wellness issues.
• Northwest Community Healthcare: Located on the campus and accessible from Harper’s Algonquin Road entrance, the Foglia Foundation Health and Recreation Center (Building M) includes an NCH Outpatient Care Center. On site health services will be provided to students, staff and the community.

• Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: Works to improve the health and well-being of Americans by developing and promotion dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers.
• Choose MyPlate: Illustrates the five food groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet using a familiar image – a place setting for a meal.
• Dietary Guidelines
• Eat Right

• ACE Exercise Library: The library offers a variety of movements to choose from. Browse through total-body exercises or movements that target more specific areas of the body. Each comes with a detailed description and photos to help ensure proper form
• Disabled Sports USA: Provides national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports recreation and educational program.
• Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
• Harper College Health and Recreation Center: Campus Recreation is located in the Foglia Foundation Health and Recreation Center (Building M) and offers a unique fitness and recreational experience for students, faculty, staff and the community. The new 135,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility offers a four court fieldhouse, suspended jogging track, aquatics center, fitness studios, cardio/strength areas and numerous programs, services, intramural sport activities and special events.
• Yoga Alliance
• Local Bicycling Groups:
  • Bike Palatine Club: Casual rides and events for new or experiences bikers.
  • Bicycling in Palatine
  • Chicago Winter Bike Swap: Bargain and sales on bicycles and equipment.
  • Downers Grove Bicycle Club
  • Healthy Cycling | A Beginner’s Guide
  • IDEA Health and Fitness Association Resources
  • Ride Illinois:Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving bicycling conditions throughout the state. We are the advocate for all Illinois bicyclists, promoting bicycle access, education, and safety
  • The League of American Bicyclists
• Local Running Groups:
  • AMP’D Athletic Association (Facebook | Strava)
  • Busse Woods Running Club
  • Chicago Area Runners Association
  • Fast Track Racing Team
  • Hoffman Estates, Inverness, and Palatine Athletic Association (HIP) Running Group
• Local Trails and Paths:
  • Cook County Forest Preserves
  • Illinois Prairie Path: Multi-use nature trail for non-motorized public use. It spans approximately 61 miles in Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties in northeastern Illinois. A former right-of-way for the old Chicago Aurora & Elgin electric railroad, it was the first U.S. rail-to-trail conversion in the nation in the 1960’s.
  • Palatine Park District: Palatine Park District is a separate municipal governing agency established for the purpose of providing parks, facilities, and recreation programs for the community. The Park District is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and administration of parks and facilities under its jurisdiction

• American Psychological Association - Building Resilience: A roadmap for adapting to life-changing situations, and emerging even stronger than before.
• Berkeley Well-Being Institute: What is resiliency? What is resiliency important? How do I build or strengthen my resiliency? Learn about different strategies, resources and skills that can help individuals bounce back after difficult moments. 
• OptionB: OptionB.Org is dedicated to helping you build resilience in the face of adversity—and giving you the tools to help your family, friends, and community build resilience too. Here, you can read and share personal stories, join groups for solidarity and support, and find information from experts.

• Resiliency in the Workplace: Information about the need to build and strengthen resiliency in the workplace. 

• American Sexual Health Association: Promotes the sexual health of individuals, families and communities by advocating sound policies and practices and education the public, professionals and policy makers in order to foster healthy sexual behaviors and relationships and prevent adverse health outcomes.
• Beforeplay.org: Hub for Colorado and Michigan efforts to reduce unintended pregnancies, promote good sexual and reproductive health and well-being, and help “normalize” conversations about these topics.
• Chicago Healthy Adolescents & Teens: CHAT provides information and local resources about sex, sexual health, and sexual orientation.
• Gender Pronoun Guide: The Division of Student Life at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a gender pronoun guide to serve as a starting point for using pronouns respectfully. 
• Human Rights Campaign: Advocates for LGBTQIA+ equality and educated the public about LGBTQIA+ issues. 
• International Foundation for Gender Education
• Kinsey Institute: Website for exploring love, sexuality, and well-being.
• Method Explorer: One-stop-shop to learn about the various methods of birth control.
• Out2Enroll: Out2Enroll is a national initiative launched in September 2013 to connect our communities—LGBT people and our families, friends, and allies—with the new health insurance coverage options available under the Affordable Care Act.
• Planned Parenthood of Illinois
• Positively Aware: Trusted source of HIV treatment and advocacy news.
• Scarleteen: Inclusive, comprehensive, supportive sexuality and relationships information for teens and emerging adults. Specifically addresses LGBTQIA+ concerns.
• Transgender Map: Website about gender identity, gender expression and how to make a gender transition.

• Bystander Intervention Resources
• Phone and Consent: Simple video explaining consent using a phone analogy.
• Tea and Consent: Simple video explaining consent using a tea analogy.
• Lean In: Resources for survivors, people who want to stand with survivors, and companies that want to get this right.
• Men Can Stop Rape
• Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault: The only full service agency that provides free services to sexual assault survivors and their loves ones within the North and Northwest suburbs of Cook County.
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): National resources for sexual assault survivors and their loves ones.
• WINGS Program, INC.: Provides housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence.

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• How to Fall Asleep in 10, 60, or 120 Seconds
• Hygiene Habits: Information, tips and tricks regarding healthy sleep habits
• National Sleep Foundation: Dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy.
• Mattress Clarity: Everything you need to know about sleep deprivation
• Sleep Better: A resource that provides sleep tips and advice through hundreds of articles in addition to fostering discussions about sleep.
• Sleep Council: Impartial, advisory organization that raises the awareness of the importance of a good night’s sleep to health and well-being and provides helpful advice and tips on how to improve sleep quality and create the perfect sleep environment.
• Sleeping Well in the Digital Age: Article about using screens before bedtime and good sleep hygiene habits.

• American Psychological Association: Resources, tips, and tools for managing stress.
• Mediation Resources
• Tips for Managing Stress
• UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness
• What is mindfulness? Short video describing mindfulness and how to practice it.

• American Cancer Society: Resource for quitting smoking or smokeless tobacco.
• BecomeAnEx: Free digital resource to help tobacco users quit. The resource includes an active social community, text and email messaging support, expert guidance and interactive quitting tools.
• E-Cigarette Resources
• Illinois Tobacco Quitline
• JUUL/Vaping Information
• My Last Dip