ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (May 21, 2020) — Dr Wes Brooks, Augustana’s dean of students and vice president of student life, credits students in a public-health course for pushing forward an idea to add a clinic on campus to host the student services focused on wellness and well-being.

The desire to have an on-campus health clinic was supported by the Student Government Association, which confirmed support from the larger student body. Students saw the need for a more convenient health-care option,” said Dr Brooks.

In partnership with Genesis Healthcare, the clinic will be located on Augustana’s campus and will be accessible to students, faculty, and staff. The specific location is being determined but it will likely be located in a campus-owned house.

Kirk Anderson, the college’s chief financial officer, is overseeing the investment towards the project. The college’s current investment covers staffing and a renovation to the space. College administrators are committed to paying for the first year of services through the college budget and are considering future funding options.

The clinic will be staffed by a physician’s assistant with hours compatible with student schedules. Services would include treatment of sprains, strains, fevers, cold and flu, pneumonia, minor fractures, lacerations, and other acute problems, plus strep-throat testing and seasonal-flu vaccines. Medication and additional tests may drive costs for a student and would be handled through the student’s insurance.

The college anticipates the need for COVID-19 testing options, as well. “Coverage was determined prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, so we will be investigating testing options,” said Anderson.

This addition comes after the college recently made an investment in mental health services, disability services, wellness programs, and as academic programing around health and human performance also grows with the addition of the Peter J Lindberg MD Center.

If you have questions or would like to set up an interview please contact Kirby Stockwell at kirbystockwell@augustana.edu or 630-201-9080.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which – provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 176 Academic All-Americans, two Nobel laureates, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world’s mos important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

Support the River Cities' Reader

Get 12 Reader issues mailed monthly for $48/year.

Old School Subscription for Your Support

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Old School Subscribe now.



Help Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93!

 

"We're the River Cities' Reader, and we've kept the Quad Cities' only independently owned newspaper alive and free since 1993.

So please help the Reader keep going with your one-time, monthly, or annual support. With your financial support the Reader can continue providing uncensored, non-scripted, and independent journalism alongside the Quad Cities' area's most comprehensive cultural coverage." - Todd McGreevy, Publisher