The Lamar University Student Health Center has moved to th Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center. Shawn Gray, associate vice president for student affairs and strategic initiatives, said with the SHC now in the Rec, its location is more accessible to students. She said that many students were unaware of the previous location or the medical or counseling services or health education that is available.
“But we feel like because we’re within Rec Sports, and most students on campus know about recreational
sports, when they walk in and they see student health, it’s like, ‘Oh, that’s right, we do have this available to us,’” she said.
The SHC offers a variety of services and treatments including treating fevers, sleep issues, immunization, STI testing, and mental care for those experiencing anxiety or depression.
“We do see quite a bit of students with some emotional concerns,” Gray said. “Going from high school to college without parents in the support system and having to make new friends can just compound that anxiety.
“My medical and counseling folks work very closely together, and medical was able to prescribe some medications to help with anxiety or depression or some of those things. We also refer and collaborate with the counselors so that they’re getting help from both disciplines.”
Kierra Bridgewater, SHC licensed professional counselor, said she uses her own theoretical framework to help guide students and cater to their needs.
“The way that I help the students is I use cognitive behavioral therapy,” she said. “I have them identify how they think, how they feel and how they behave, and how they’re linked.”
Bridgewater said identifying one area of concern can ultimately change the others.
“I also use solution focus or group solution focus,” she said. “I encourage students to do what works for them and then challenge the things that don’t work for them.”
Although receiving treatment and being prescribed medication can be expensive, the SHC offers these services at an affordable cost to students compared to most medical facilities, Gray said. Co-pays start at $10, which is charged to the student’s account when making an appointment.
“Some of the other charges that you may or may not incur would be for laboratory services, some medications, the immunizations, some of the testing, sutures if we need to sew somebody up, toenail removals, procedural type things,” Gray said. “We are not as expensive as primary care physicians or family physicians because we want to make sure that it’s not a hurdle for students to get care.”
Over-the-counter medication can also be picked up from the SHC’s Class D pharmacy which has medications by medical personnel and physicians.
“But if we don’t have it here, all of my providers have prescriptive authority in Texas and can prescribe medicines that are appropriate for what condition they diagnose you with,” Gray said.
The SHC aims to encourage students to maintain a good physical and mental state of mind and promote success within Lamar students, Gray said.
“We want to start highlighting the wellness piece of student life,” she said. “We want you to understand that health maintenance is as big a part of your life as treating illnesses. So, by all means you need to come and work out on the machines. You need to get involved with some of the intramural sports and sports clubs that we have, walk on the track, get involved.
“I want students to realize that they’re a very complex but whole individual. Where we are with Student Health and Rec Sports and ARC, we can provide some really holistic support for student success.”
For information, visit lamar.edu/healthcenter, you call 409-880-8466. The Health Center hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
