by Kerry Lippold Jr.
The Student Life and Wellness Center, located in U-111, is dedicated to promoting physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being for all students, faculty and staff at Parkland College.
One key member and organizer of the Wellness Center’s numerous programs is Parkland’s Wellness Coordinator, Sara Maxwell. As the Wellness Coordinator, Maxwell promotes many forms of wellness to the Parkland community. According to Maxwell, it is her job to, “…connect people with health services and provide health education on campus.” Thanks to Sara Maxwell and several other contributors, the Wellness Center can host campus–wide health events such as the “Health & Wellness Fair,” “Stress Less Week,” “Pregnancy Resource Fair,” “Flu Vaccine Clinic,” and “Champaign-Urbana Public Health Clinic.” The health clinic is a frequent opportunity for students to take advantage of various health services and resources from trained professionals.
These services are very beneficial to students not only because they empower and inform but also because they are such a convenient option. “If you are already on campus, why not take advantage of the services we offer, before, after or between classes,” Maxwell said. She also went on to describe what students should expect from attending a clinic. “Students can expect respectful treatment handled in a confidential manner at the health clinics,” Maxwell said. “Services provided include STD/HIV testing, flu vaccinations, HPV vaccinations, birth control options, and assistance with health care enrollment.”
Students will never have to worry about their information being released with professionals on site to handle the information in a mindful and confidential manner. Taking part in the services is not required to attend the clinic as you may walk in or out freely. Questions are encouraged and addressed privately as desired.
Parkland’s first two health clinics of the semester were August 27 and Sept. 10. “The clinics are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Student Life and Wellness Center. The schedule for the remainder of the semester is Sept. 24, Oct. 8 and 22 and Nov. 12,” Maxwell said.
If you were not able to attend the first two health clinics of the semester, there are still opportunities to attend future clinics. “Parkland has hosted health clinics in partnership with the Champaign Urbana Public Health department for less than a year, but we plan on continuing for the foreseeable future,” Maxwell stated. Although the services do not seem to be going away any time soon, all students have the right to take advantage of the services.
“It is never too soon to start addressing your health concerns, issues and overall wellness”
It is never too soon to start addressing your health concerns, issues and overall wellness. As mentioned above, the Wellness Center does have a plethora of other services available to address almost anything you can expect from a holistic approach to wellness. These services range from anything including referral services, immunizations and blood drives to alcohol and drug education. If you are a little overwhelmed by school and just need a place to get away, the Wellness Center has meditation spaces available in U-111 on a first-come, first– served basis. They are also very accepting of new mothers in need of specific amenities and willing to meet the expectations of all students, faculty and staff in need.
You can find more information about the Wellness Center here. Located at the bottom of the page, you can also find additional health resources. Maxwell was graciously willing to answer all questions necessary and stated, “If students have any questions or need further information, please contact me at smaxwell@parkland.edu or 217-373-3879.”