Brenau University’s Center for Health and Well-being now is a unit of the Ivester College of Health Sciences and will be overseen by Dr. Gale Starich, dean of the college.
“We look forward to serving the Brenau community and I’m pleased that Dr. Jeff Terry remains as the medical director for the center,” Starich said. “I’m also appreciative of the commitment from Brenau faculty members Dr. Troy Heidesch, director of the Mary Inez Grindle College of Nursing, and Dr. Julie Keena, chair and founding program director of physician assistant studies, to oversee clinical services at the center.”
The center, which serves enrolled students and Brenau employees, is staffed by multiple nurse practitioners, nurses and collaborates with mental health counselors from Student Services.
The Gainesville clinic, located at 205 Boulevard St., is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but appointments are encouraged by calling (770) 534-6135. The center also may be contacted via email at healthservices@brenau.edu.
“A new patient portal that will allow requesting an appointment online will launch this fall thanks to the new electronic medical record software that has been installed,” Heidesch said. “We are pleased that the acquisition of this new software will help us to serve patients better.”
The center serves patients through a holistic approach that focuses on physical, mental and emotional well-being. Free, confidential services provided include:
- Health and wellness education and consultations for individuals and groups
- Vaccinations and immunizations to include COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters
- Student physicals
- STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) testing, treatment and counseling
- Mental health counseling
The center will provide COVID vaccines to employees, employees’ families or students this fall by appointment. Vaccines currently are in stock and more information will be coming soon about the availability of the omicron-specific vaccines.
Brenau continues to follow the CDC’s recommended protocols regarding COVID, including changes announced recently that recommend those exposed to the virus wear a well-fitting mask and test instead of quarantining. Any employee or student experiencing symptoms should isolate and test, then complete Brenau’s COVID Reporting Form. Employees are reminded that they should use wellness time if they are unable to report to work due to COVID or any illness.
The center also will serve as a resource for information and FAQs about a variety of health concerns, including COVID, monkeypox and STIs.
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