Dealing with the “DePlague” just got easier.
Students no longer have to pick up the phone or wait until the office opens to dial the Wellness Center when they wake up feeling ill. Instead, they are now able to access scheduling for the Wellness Center through an online program, MediKeeper.
The plans for a partnership between Hendricks Regional Health and the DePauw University Wellness Center were announced during the 2014-2015 school year, and now they have come to fruition.
“The model gets us access to a lot of resources through Hendricks Regional Health,” said Vice President for Student Life Christopher Wells in a press conference with The DePauw on Aug. 18.
This transition has the potential to enhance student, faculty, and staff experiences in dealing with the wellness center.
“We are excited about this partnership and think that you will like the level of care you will receive from the DePauw Health Wellness Center staff,” said Associate Vice President for Campus Wellness Stevie Baker-Watson in an email to the student body on Monday.
Most of the services offered by the Wellness Center remain the same, however, there are a number of changes to the operations that administrators hope will improve student experiences.
In order to utilize the new online scheduling feature, students must enroll in MediKeeper. This is an online portal on which medical service and wellness coaching appointments can be made. The registration takes approximately 10 minutes and expedites all future scheduling.
“It was easy to comprehend and browse,” said junior Katie Rust.
MediKeeper asks for only for basic information including name, student ID number and home zip code.
The Wellness Center operates on an appointment-only basis, no walk-ins. Students are still able to call x4555 to schedule their wellness appointments if they choose not to utilize MediKeeper. And students still have to call x4268 in order to schedule a counseling service.
The Wellness Center has also added hours during lunch time and Saturday mornings. The hours vary from day to day and can be found online at depauwhealth.org.
A new service being offered by the members of Hendricks Regional Health is the opportunity for wellness coaching. These are one-on-one interactions where students, faculty and staff can learn how to make changes in their lifestyle that will impact their health in a positive way.
The Wellness Center remains located on the first floor of Hogate Hall, with an added entrance, allowing one for students and one for faculty and staff.
“The flow of clients is divided so there will be no mixing the folks who work here and the folks who are paying tuition here,” said Wells.
Visit depauwhealth.org in order to register for MediKeeper and learn more about the new doctors and faces that will be seen in the DePauw Wellness Center.