Dr. Corey Campbell, Vice President for Student Affairs at Jefferson, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Our partnership with NCFHC reinforces Jefferson’s commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of our college community. The expanded resources and services NCFHC brings will be invaluable to our students, and we are thrilled that this collaboration extends these vital health services to our faculty and staff as well.”
Jefferson’s dedication to student health was previously demonstrated in 2016 with the implementation of expanded health and wellness services, supported by a $500,000 Community Schools Grant. This initiative enabled partnerships with community agencies to provide on-campus counseling and medical services at no cost to students.
Data from the Health and Wellness Center highlighted a significant demand for behavioral health support. During the 2017-2018 academic year, 258 students participated in 754 counseling sessions, followed by 205 students in 573 sessions in 2018-2019.
Dr. Campbell emphasized the critical link between health and academic success: “Unmet health needs and financial constraints are significant barriers to degree completion. Our goal is to ensure every student has the opportunity to be healthy, both mentally and physically, enabling them to achieve their educational and career aspirations.”
North Country Family Health Center, a Federally Qualified Community Health Center, is uniquely positioned to provide inclusive healthcare services. NCFHC’s integrated approach ensures care for all, regardless of age, income, or insurance status. The Jefferson Health & Wellness Center marks NCFHC’s fourth community-based location, adding to their existing centers in Watertown, LeRay, and Lowville. The center at Jefferson will be staffed by a dedicated full-time Physician Assistant, three Licensed Social Workers, and additional support personnel. Furthermore, individuals utilizing the Health & Wellness Center will have access to the extensive services available at NCFHC’s main facility at 238 Arsenal Street, including insurance enrollment assistance and coordinated care services.
Joey Marie Horton, Chief Executive Officer of NCFHC, shared her excitement about the partnership: “North Country Family Health is delighted to partner with Jefferson Community College to broaden access to high-quality, integrated healthcare. With over 25 years of experience integrating healthcare within K-12 school districts, we understand that healthy students are better learners. We are eager to extend our expertise to the college campus, providing Jefferson’s students, faculty, and staff with enhanced access to timely, preventative health and behavioral health services. Recognizing the community’s broader need for primary care and behavioral health services, NCFHC is proud to extend the Health & Wellness Center’s services to the community at large.”
The Health & Wellness Center, located in Building 17 at 1220 Coffeen Street, Watertown, officially opened on March 9, 2020. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments, both scheduled and walk-in, are readily available. For inquiries or appointments, please contact the Health and Wellness Center at 315-786-1042. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this collaboration is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Health & Wellness Center.
For media inquiries, please contact Gillian Maitland, Marketing and Communications Director for Jefferson Community College, at 315-786-2234 or [email protected], or April Fallon, Marketing & Community Relations Director for North Country Family Health Center, at 315-782-9450 x 8019 or [email protected].
About North Country Family Health Center
North Country Family Health Center is committed to providing accessible, high-quality, and affordable healthcare to over 12,000 residents in the North Country region annually. NCFHC operates community-based locations in Watertown, Lowville, and LeRay, along with six permanent school-based health centers within the Watertown and South Jefferson School Districts, and school-based dental services in 7 school districts across Jefferson & Lewis Counties. Through its WIC Program, NCFHC provides nutritional support to approximately 5,000 pregnant women, infants, and children monthly. Additionally, NCFHC assists around 4,000 individuals with insurance enrollment each year and offers specialized programs for high-risk pregnant and parenting women, and individuals facing housing insecurity. For further details about North Country Family Health Center and its comprehensive services, please visit www.NoCoFamilyHealth.org or call (315) 782-9450.
About Jefferson Community College
Jefferson Community College, a member of the State University of New York system, is a leading educational resource in the community. Offering over 40 associate degrees and certificate programs for career advancement or transfer to four-year institutions, Jefferson also provides local access to bachelor’s and advanced degrees through partnerships, lifelong learning opportunities, workforce development, and cultural enrichment for the Watertown/Fort Drum region. Learn more at www.sunyjefferson.edu.
