Wilberforcehealthclinicrelease9.15.21 (1)
President Elfred Anthony Pinkard cut the customary ribbon Wednesday morning, September 15th, signaling the opening of an updated student health clinic and a new partnership with medical network Premier Health. The clinic remains in the Louis Stokes Health and Wellness Center.
“This will allow our students to have ready and easy access to health and wellness services,” said President Pinkard. “Having healthy students at the university is what is first and foremost and this suggests Premier Health recognizes Wilberforce University as an important institution in this community, ready to partner for important endeavors, and this is one of them.”
Students Rickell Gibson and Patrick McClendon, members of the Wilberforce University Royal Court, share in the excitement of an updated wellness center that will expand the health needs of the WU campus.
“The clinic was already a great part of the school but now that it’s updated and we have more resources, I believe it will be better,” said Miss Sophomore Rickell Gibson. “For our women students who might not have the means to go to a regular doctor, I believe this is perfect.”
Patrick McClendon, WU’s Mr. Senior, feels the new relationship will also create a heightened atmosphere of security. “Students will gain a relationship with the nurses and will be less afraid to seek medical attention,” he said.
For Premier Health, building healthier communities is key to the network’s overall mission. Chief operating officer and executive vice president Barbara Johnson says the university and the healthcare network are like-minded in their goals and supporting each other is critical to a partnership in the middle of a global health crisis. Expanded plans for the clinic include a student employment system for Premier Health.
“I’ve always had a passion for this university and this is now perfect timing. This is giving students the opportunity for education and training firsthand, in person, by providing support to the clinic. This also offers them an opening to partner with Premier as we offer opportunities for employment for students who want to want to stay local and want to be employed in the healthcare field”, said Johnson.
Clinic services include: symptoms of common illnesses, injuries, diagnostic exams, mental health referrals and 24/7 virtual services which can be reached at 937-708-5617.
Students are required to show the university issued identification card.
