Dr. Corey Campbell, Vice President for Student Affairs at Jefferson Community College, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “Our partnership with NCFHC is incredibly exciting as it allows Jefferson to reinforce our commitment to the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. The expanded resources and services offered through NCFHC will be invaluable to our students, ensuring even greater access to the essential physical and personal health services they require.”
Jefferson Community College has progressively prioritized student health and wellness, notably expanding services in 2016 through a Community Schools Grant. This initiative enabled the college to collaborate with community agencies, providing students with crucial counseling and medical services on campus at no cost. Data from previous years underscored the critical need for behavioral health support, with hundreds of students utilizing counseling services. Between 2017 and 2019, hundreds of students sought counseling, demonstrating the demand for these resources.
Dr. Campbell further emphasized the link between health and academic success: “Statistics clearly demonstrate that unmet health needs and associated financial barriers are significant obstacles to degree completion. We are dedicated to ensuring our students have every opportunity to be both mentally and physically healthy, empowering them to achieve their educational and career aspirations.”
North Country Family Health Center, a Federally Qualified Community Health Center, is committed to providing integrated healthcare services to everyone, regardless of age, income, or insurance status. The Health & Wellness Center at Jefferson marks NCFHC’s fourth community-based location, adding to their existing centers in Watertown, LeRay, and Lowville. NCFHC will staff the Jefferson Health & Wellness Center with a dedicated team, including a full-time Physician Assistant and three Licensed Social Workers, along with additional support staff. Furthermore, individuals utilizing the on-campus center will have access to the comprehensive services available at NCFHC’s main location at 238 Arsenal Street, including insurance enrollment assistance and coordinated care services.
Joey Marie Horton, Chief Executive Officer of North Country Family Health Center, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to collaborate with Jefferson Community College to broaden access to high-quality, integrated healthcare services within our community. With over 25 years of experience integrating healthcare and education within K-12 school districts, we have seen firsthand that healthy students are better learners. We are thrilled to extend our work to a 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 also pleased 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, including same-day and walk-in options, are available. The Health and Wellness Center can be contacted directly at 315-786-1042. A ribbon-cutting celebration to formally mark the opening is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Health & Wellness Center.
About North Country Family Health Center
North Country Family Health Center annually delivers high-quality, affordable healthcare to over 12,000 residents across the North Country region. Services are provided at community-based sites in Watertown, Lowville, and LeRay, as well as six permanent school-based locations within the Watertown and South Jefferson School Districts and school-based dental services within seven districts in Jefferson & Lewis Counties. NCFHC also administers the WIC Program, offering nutritious food vouchers and support to approximately 5,000 pregnant women, infants, and children monthly. Additionally, NCFHC assists around 4,000 individuals with insurance enrollment each year and provides specialized programs for high-risk pregnant and parenting women, and individuals experiencing housing insecurity. For further details about the North Country Family Health Center and its diverse programs, please visit www.NoCoFamilyHealth.org or call (315) 782-9450.
About Jefferson Community College
Jefferson Community College, part of the State University of New York system, serves as a premier community resource, dedicated to empowering individuals to lead better lives. The College offers over 40 associate degrees and certificates designed for career readiness 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 career training, and cultural enrichment programs for the Watertown/Fort Drum region. Learn more at www.sunyjefferson.edu.
