CAMPUS NEWS
HEALTH CARE CENTER OPENING ON CAMPUS Partnership with OSF HealthCare makes array of affordable services available to all students
Monmouth College and OSF HealthCare are teaming up to help the College’s students stay healthy. Beginning with the 2021 fall semester, Monmouth will offer a fully staffed student health center on campus. The center, located on the first floor of McMichael Residence Hall, will be available to all students. It will be staffed by OSF HealthCare medical personnel and will specialize in serving the needs of students. “The student health center has long been a goal for our campus, and it will be great to have it serving students during the fall semester,” said Monmouth Associate Vice President of Student Life and Co-Dean of Students Michelle Merritt ’89. “It would not have been possible without the excellent work of our student leaders, especially those in Scots Senate, as well as the College’s long history with OSF HealthCare. We especially appreciate the efforts of Monmouth alumnus and Board of Trustees Vice Chair Dr. Ralph Velazquez ’79, who is chief medical officer at OSF HealthCare. Dr. Velasquez certainly helped make this a reality.” The partnership builds on the College’s strong relationship with OSF HealthCare Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth. “I’m excited OSF HealthCare Holy Family Medical Center will expand its partnership with Monmouth College to provide students with an on-campus health care service,” said OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center President Lisa DeKezel. “Our expertise will give students access to trusted, convenient, high-quality and safe health care—something everyone deserves.” The College’s student health center will offer services that include treating acute symptoms, such as covid-19, strep throat and the flu. It will also have the capacity to perform the most common tests, offer behavioral health care and provide chronic
disease management for medical conditions such as ADHD, diabetes and allergies. The student health center will offer physicals and shots for allergies and vaccinations—including for the flu and COVID-19. Its personnel will be able to write prescriptions. May graduate Griffin Morrill said the student health center will mean that “Monmouth College will be a healthier and happier campus.” Kara Fisher ’22 said the campus student health center will enhance campus life in a multitude of ways. “I’m excited about having easy access to health care,” said Fisher. “This is a great —kara fisher ’22 value to our campus. Some of my friends don’t go to the doctor right now because they don’t want to pay the copay. More of my friends will go see a health care provider now knowing that they will not have a copay.” Western Region Chief Executive Officer Roxanna Crosser said OSF HealthCare providers “are an incredible community asset.” “We’re happy this collaboration will allow an opportunity to meet the health and wellness needs of students quickly and easily,” said Crosser. “We believe Monmouth College students will also embrace the convenient, online scheduling, virtual visit options, and digital tools OSF HealthCare offers to provide additional ways students can stay engaged in their physical and mental health.”
“More of my friends will go see a health care provider now knowing that they will not have a copay.”
A former lounge in the lower level of McMichael Residence Hall is being converted into a reception area for the health center.
SUMMER 2021
3
