AB offers on-campus health care

By Lora Owston

With flu season now over, your mind may be temporarily eased when considering thoughts of impending sickness. But what should you do when unexpected illness strikes? Alderson Broaddus University offers a convenient and local option for your healthcare needs.

The Wellness Center is a federally qualified health clinic located on the ground floor of Burbick Hall, and is open to students, faculty, and staff. It is operated by a receptionist, a nurse, and a physician’s assistant, but care at the Wellness Center is primarily provided by physician’s assistant Jennifer Parker, an Alderson Broaddus alum with 20 years of experience in the field.

“Generally, anything that you would typically go to your primary care for, we can do here,” Parker said.

In addition to offering physicals, immunizations, and checkups, the facility also treats injuries and can draw labs. The Wellness Center provides counseling for services such as birth control, and will see students with mental health concerns in conjunction with counseling from Chad Hostetler.

“Our number one goal is to provide a place for students to be able to receive healthcare without having to go anywhere,” said Bruce Blankenship, vice president for administration. “We know some of our students live far away and don’t have vehicles, so even getting to Meyers Clinic during the day can be difficult.”

The staff began working in July 2017 in preparation for students’ arrival in August, and officially opened at the beginning of the fall semester. The center now sees around an average of 10 students a day, with most cases being either athletic injuries or respiratory infections. Blankenship explained that in the future, he would like to do more with illness prevention at Alderson Broaddus and involve the campus with the process.

“We always encourage students and faculty to go use the center because that helps us keep it here,” Blankenship said.

The Wellness Center is open five days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the physician’s assistant available until noon. The staff at the Wellness Center invites individuals with any questions about their services to contact them personally.