Starting today, students at Averett can be seen for medical care while remaining on campus.

Through a partnership with Danville Regional Medical Center (DRMC), the University’s Health and Wellness Center will accommodate students seeking health care and wellness checks without ever leaving campus.

On January 17, the University hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of the reconstructed space, formerly the fitness center inside the Galesi Family Student Success Center. Representatives from Averett and DRMC spoke to an eager crowd of students, faculty, staff, health care professionals and community officials.

“This is a significant game-changer for our students,” said Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks.

This is “one-stop shopping for some of their most important health requirements and needs,” she said. The clinic will offer wellness checks, sick visits and treatment, physical exams, immunizations and routine lab work – all administered by DRMC.

Made possible by a gift from an anonymous donor, the clinic will be headed up by Dr. Jennie Emery, Chief Family Medicine Resident at DRMC, who, according to DRMC CEO Alan Larson,
after working in the hospital for the last three years, has developed a vision for working with students and their health and wellness needs and goals.

“We’re excited to bring all of those resources to this vital part of our community,” said Larson, donning his Averett bowtie. “Our commitment is to make your visit here quick and easy, and enjoyable and accurate.”

Senior Averett communications student, Brandon Veasy, spoke about the significance of this milestone, and how meaningful it will be for students on campus to have “access to quality and personal health care…and educational programs so that students can be proactive about their health.”

“I am beyond grateful, and I know that the student body is beyond grateful,” he said.

In addition to medical care, students will have access to Averett’s Office of Health and Wellness, which oversees a number of wellness programs for the campus community.

“At the end of the day, the best thing we need to focus on is taking care of our own health,” said Larson. “This health center, I think will be, an opportunity for the students to do this.”

After announcing the partnership in August, construction began immediately on the renovated space and it officially opened to students today.