By Caitlin Mota
Sitting in Vodra Hall Room 107 is the university’s Health and Wellness Center (H&WC). Most students are not aware of many of the services that are available to them. Below is a list of five services the center offers that every student should be conscious of.
1. Campus Physician
On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the semester, Dr. Robert Lukenda is on campus allowing students to see a physician if they are ill. Although Dr. Lukenda is not meant to be a primary care physician, he is able to diagnosis students and writes prescriptions when needed. He is available from 9:30am-11:30am on Tuesdays and 12:30-2:30 on Thursdays. No student is permitted to sign in for a screening more than 30 minutes prior to his arrival and the last sign is 30 minutes before his departure.
2. HIV and STD Screenings
Several times during each month, HIV and STD screenings are held for students. Typically on Mondays and Wednesdays, students are able to walk in the H&WC and be screened free of judgment and free of charge. Results for the HIV test are ready within 15 minutes, while the results for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea will not be available for 7-10 days. “Services are provided by NJ State HIV Counseling and Testing Site at Liberty Healthcare and by Project L.O.L (Living Out Loud) Hyacinth AIDS Foundation,” according the March 2014 Spring into Wellness handout.
3. Over the Counter Medicine Available
If students are not feeling well while on campus, they are encouraged to visit the H&WC. The nurses that are on staff will evaluate what they can do to help immediately. Nurse Kathleen Decker (RN, BC, and MS) emphasizes that students must be evaluated by a nurse before they are given any medicine, “even little things like a cough drop.” All of these precautions are taken with the safety of the student in mind.
4. Message Therapy Mondays
By appointment and fee only, a licensed messaged therapist visits campus to give students affordable, therapeutic, massages. Carol Crystal, C.M.T, charges a reduced fee of $1.00/min with a minimum of 10 minutes. The session takes place in a private room inside the H&WC. Students should expect a brief questionnaire regarding any current health conditions and confidentially resources. To make an appointment or contact Crystal call: (201) 913-284 or email her at [email protected].
5. Rite Aid Vaccination Clinic
Throughout the semester, Rite Aid Pharmacy offers MMR & Hepatitis B vaccines. These vaccines run between $80 and $90 dollars, but student’s insurance companies may help cover the charge. Students must bring an insurance card to determine what the exact cost for their vaccine will cost.
While you may be busy on campus, it is always best to know what is available to you when you need it.
