A new healthcare center has been opened for students on Centennial Campus, which joins the Student Health Center on Main Campus. This health center, which started operations five days a week after fall break, offers the same primary care for all students on Centennial Campus that is offered at the main campus health center. 

“Primary care is a term used to describe a patient’s main source for regular medical care,” said Outreach and Student Engagement Coordinator Heather Lawson. “The aims of primary care are to provide the patient with a broad spectrum of preventive and curative care over a period of time. Our primary care providers often also coordinate care with specialty providers if the patient has those needs.”

According to Lawson, the new location of the campus health center is a great way for students who live on Centennial to get the healthcare they may not otherwise receive.

“I would say the biggest benefit to Centennial being open is having an option for students over [on Centennial] that are too sick to get on the bus,” said Dr. Julie Casani, the director and medical director of Student Health Services. “It provides good healthcare and can help students feel better. So many students are unlikely to come to main campus for treatment.”

Students now do not have to travel to main campus to receive healthcare. The health center is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM every weekday other than on Tuesday, when they operate from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. They close for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM and are not currently open on weekends, but that is subject to change in the future. The center will also be looking into developing their services and features.

“I don’t think we will be adding more services, but maybe expanding existing services, hours or open on Saturdays … adding providers,” Casani said.

The center already has a multitude of options for students in need of healthcare of any kind. Physical therapy and nutrition counseling are readily available to students, as well as Campus Smiles, which provides dentistry options for students. Physical therapy, nutrition counseling and Campus Smiles are available by appointment only, so a student will have to call ahead of time to schedule.  

“We also provide over-the-counter products available for purchase … conveniently prepackaged in 3 options: Wellness Kit, Allergy Kit and a wound care kit,” Lawson said.

According to Lawson, the prominent difference between the two health centers is that main campus does have larger amounts of services available to students.

“The services provided on Centennial Campus are for patients with acute illnesses and injuries,” Lawson said. “Main campus is for acute and long-standing medical care. We also have a larger amount of services available on main campus.” 

Casani said that she is happy that students on that part of campus can now be served adequately.

“I’m really happy to have it there, I felt bad for students who didn’t feel well that needed to travel to main [campus] — I’m happy that Centennial has that support now,” Casani said.

Students who wish to learn more about the NC State Student Health Centers or schedule an appointment can visit their website or call at 919.515.2563.