Health services reopens on South after remodel

Flo Stanton, South Campus health services coordinator, works in a place unknown to many students and even some faculty. Yet, she believes every TCC member should be aware of it.Health services offices are available on every campus, but Stanton said South Campus has been lucky to get a “beautifully remodeled” office.

Walking into the health center, Stanton said people can find a professional, comfortable setting. From the plush seating to the wall art, everything in the reception area welcomes the students and faculty, she said.

“The [old] center felt impersonal,” said student Maureen Moulton. “It felt old and sort of pushed aside, and I was glad to hear they decided to renovate.”

The center reopened in June after months of reconstruction. Stanton said improvements focused on student comfort and functionality.

With an assessment room, a treatment room and a nurse’s office, it has the professional look one might find in a physician’s workplace with one difference.

“This is a nurse-run health center,” she said.

With a registered nurse on hand at all times, the staff is always available for health advice and counseling.

“We do a lot of referrals,” she said. “A lot.”

Stanton also said “way too many students” don’t know the resources available to them.

“I would love for more students to be aware because we are here to help anyone who walks in that door,” she said. “The education about health services is very important.”

Ticily Medley, South psychology and human sexuality assistant professor, is also concerned.

“The biggest problem is that the students need to be more aware of the center,” she said. “I think it’s a great idea that they moved it into the academic building, but it doesn’t do any good unless the students are aware.”

With the economy causing many students to search for cheaper and more convenient health care, Stanton said many students need TCC health services.

“The economy has hit so many,” she said. ”Many can’t afford health insurance.”

Staff members provide many free services from aspirin to three HIV/AIDS tests each semester. They also offered $12 flu shots in October and blood drives throughout the year.

“I want the whole community to know that these (flu shots) are available to all students,” she said. “This is critical for not just students but employees as well.”

Stanton wants the TCC population to know who to call in an on-campus emergency.

“Don’t immediately call 911 if something happens. Call your campus police first [8911] so we can get to you faster and provide immediate care,” she said. “We will call 911 for you and escort them to where you are.”

Stanton said paramedics often don’t know TCC’s layout and may just end up driving around, taking longer to find the individual who needs help.

Stanton said her area’s goal is to assist students in their health care needs.

“We are here to help anyone who walks in that door. Anyone,” she said. “The purpose statement says, ‘Health services supports institutional effectiveness with its holistic approach to meeting the health needs of the learning community.’ And that’s just what we strive to do.”