Requesting Special Accommodations
If your child needs special accommodations for a physical, medical, dietary, mental health, or other issue, you must contact summer programs staff at 410-735-6215 or ctydisabilities@jhu.edu by May 15. Forms to request accommodations or support can be found at our Medical Disability Information page.
Medical Services
CTY health staff are available at the site to screen student medical complaints and provide first aid; in general, health staff then refer students to the campus health clinic, local physicians, or emergency rooms for treatment. When students are referred to local providers, a CTY staff member accompanies them, and parents are informed as soon as possible. All costs associated with medical care are the responsibility of the student's family. Our administrative and health staff dispense medications as authorized by both parents' and physicians' signatures on the appropriate medical forms. Our administrative staff includes a health assistant. Health assistants are not licensed professionals, but assist with health logistics and communications; they help dispense medications as authorized on student medical forms, maintain medical records, and escort students to medical appointments.
Please note that bottled water is provided to students for the purpose of taking medications, and it is also supplied in the residence hall for daily consumption.
Medications Policy
Students are not permitted to keep medications of any kind, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, in their possession. Exceptions are made for topical skin medications, asthma inhalers, and single doses of medications which may be needed urgently, such as insulin and EpiPens®. Students must turn in all medications in original pharmacy containers with instructions written in English to administrators on opening day. Medicines will only be dispensed as indicated by the original pharmacy container or a physician’s orders. For the safety of all of our students, keeping medications in rooms or belongings is strictly forbidden and is considered grounds for dismissal. All students on medications should continue to take their medications during the program as prescribed by their physicians. CTY staff members do not give injections; students on injectables are expected to self-administer. If this is an issue, please contact your site’s program manager to explore other arrangements immediately upon receipt and review of your course assignment packet. Generally, it is not possible to arrange allergy shots.
Payment for Medical Services
The parent or guardian who signs the Medical Information page is financially responsible for all costs incurred as a result of medical services provided. Some providers require payment from families at the time of service. Families should check with their insurer about special provisions for international travel to see if they will be covered while in Mexico. You may need to purchase supplemental insurance. We request that all students bring to the site a photocopy of their insurance cards. We do not carry medical insurance of any kind for students.
Providing Medical Information about Your Child
After assignment to a course, students are required to submit a set of medical forms, some of which require a physician's signature. We recommend that you schedule an appointment with your physician immediately upon receipt of your child's course assignment. If your child will take medication during the program, there are forms you and your physician must complete and sign. Ask your physician about hepatitis B and meningitis vaccines for your child, and ensure that all measles/mumps/rubella shots are up to date. We recommend that you also read the information provided by the Center for Disease Control to Americans planning trips to Mexico. As always, discuss any questions you have with your physician. back to top | 
