Student Health Center and Counseling Center staff are looking forward to breaking ground this fall on renovations and a 48,000-square foot expansion that the center has needed for nearly
20 years, health center Director Tom Ryan said.
The Student Building Fee Committee awarded the health center $10 million for the add-on more than three years ago, but Ryan said that amount is a far cry from the $25 million the health center estimated it needed to meet the needs of both the counseling and clinical
departments, Ryan said. He said basic expansion needs alone carry a $15 million price tag.
After some severe cost-cutting, University planners and Portland’s BOORA Architects have drafted a plan that meets the most important of the health center’s needs.
Ryan said the No. 1 priority is to improve student services, and he believes the new plans incorporate that goal.
“I’m really excited about how much easier it will be for students to find their way through,” Ryan said.
Ryan said the new pharmacy will be twice its current size, complete with an over-the-counter area where medication prices will be lower than at local grocery stores. This is because the center is “not trying to make a profit,” he said.
The health center plans to put computers in the lobby programmed with a variety of health and wellness programs and quizzes available for students. One program will calculate “actual age” by taking into account exercise and eating habits, family history and lifestyle choices, Ryan said.
Ryan said the three primary care clinics will be connected by a back hallway instead of being three separate “islands of care,” which will allow for better communication between health care workers.
Ryan said the center wants to promote health and wellness, so the Health Education Program will be moving out of the basement and into a position near the front entrance, making free medical advice more accessible.
Another expansion will double the size of the travel medicine clinic to accommodate a growing demand for immunizations and medications as more students become involved in international studies and travel abroad.
Staff members whose offices are in the basement are optimistic about the upcoming changes.
“We’re excited to have windows,” Director of Health Education Paula Staight said.
Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy Manager Tim McDonald said that in addition to windows, he’s looking forward to having more room and being able to interact with other staff members.
The health center will also transfer its paper medical records to an electronic system that will allow doctors to gain quick access from their offices. In addition, film X-rays will switch to charged plates, which can be manipulated on a computer monitor and will result in fewer failures and less radiation exposure.
BOORA architect Eve Fagenstrom said the construction documents are 75 percent complete.

[email protected]