A Simmons Voice article published a few weeks ago highlighted the pitfalls of the new Living and Learning Center’s move-in plans – or lack thereof – drawing attention to the university’s disorganization.

In the 2024 fiscal year, the Student Health Center on the Simmons residential campus “handled 2,573 student/patient visits” – proving the students still rely heavily on the center’s services. 

Amid concerns about moving logistics, accessibility and green-space, one question remains: how will Simmons University provide healthcare services to its students in the new LLC?

Laura Brink-Pisinski, Vice President of University Real Estate and Facilities Management, said the solution “could be part of a consortium, [a] hospital agreement [or] some other plan.” But the most obvious option went unmentioned. 

The Colleges of the Fenway (COF), apart from Simmons, already outsource student health services to the primary healthcare chain, Carbon Health. 

But in February, Carbon Health filed for bankruptcy after accruing more than $100 million in debt. 

Given Carbon Health’s financial struggles, relying on the company may not be the best strategy – especially as Simmons faces its own financial pressures. 

According to Simmons’ fiscal year 2025 financial statements referenced in the audit, the university carries nearly $276 million in debt – about half of its $558 million in assets. Much of that debt is backed by future tuition revenue and property mortgages. 

Despite these concerns, the independent auditor report found no evidence of corruption or manipulation in Simmons’ “internal control over financial reporting and compliance.” 

However, the report notes that “material weaknesses or significant deficiencies” in compliance controls may still exist. 

If Simmons replaces its campus health center with Carbon Health services in the LLC, it raises serious questions – especially given both organizations’ finances. 

The Carbon Health clinic used by the other COF schools is located on the second floor of the MassArt Treehouse residence hall at 578 Huntington Ave. 

Since fall 2023, the other COF schools have relied on the clinic for STI testing, immunizations and urgent care. But Simmons students like Kayleigh Houle still rely on the campus health center. 

Houle, a senior in the 4+3 physical therapy program, used to receive weekly allergy shots at the health center.

“I don’t love the idea [at] all,” Houle said about the future of health services in the LLC.“As much as I joke and call [the health center] my number one enemy, it’s extremely valuable.” 

After receiving her allergy shots for about 2 and a half years, Houle recently switched from shots to drops – a decision she says she was “kind of forced” to make. 

“None of the other providers are comfortable giving me the shots,” she said in light of the fact that her usual nurse practitioner in the health center was no longer taking in-person appointments. Houle said she had to look for other allergy care in Boston “because they probably won’t have [an on-site health center] in the LLC.”

The problem with allergy drops is that they are not Food and Drug Administration-approved, which means that insurance will not cover it. Houle must now pay out-of-pocket for treatment that was once available to her for free at the Simmons Health Center. 

Houle also has prior experience with Carbon Health and says she doesn’t “love the idea” of Simmons joining the consortium at the MassArt Treehouse, either. 

Noting that Carbon Health has more of an “urgent care feel” and the other COF schools already use it, Houle worries that the accessibility of the Health Center will be lost in wait times and long walks to the Treehouse. 

Accessibility should always be a top priority when constructing a new building, and with a project of this size, Simmons should consider all angles of accessibility – which includes easy access to health care.