Student Health Services gets a new home at Augusta University
By Amy Zhou | Staff writer
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 9 marked the relocation of Augusta University’s Student Health Services (SHS) to the Health Sciences Building, suite 1500.
The services were previously housed in AF 1040 Pavilion II.
President Russell T. Keen oversaw the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which included a reception for students, faculty and staff.
Harrison Lamp, RN, BSN, is a nurse manager at SHS, and he encourages students to explore the wide range of care available in SHS.
Student Health Services offers both in-person and telehealth appointments, providing care such as vaccinations, primary care, nutrition support and psychiatric services.
SHS is staffed by primary care physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, psychiatrists, women’s health specialists, medical directors and a vast support team dedicated to student care.
Lamp has been working at SHS for four and a half years, starting off as a staff nurse before transitioning to a managerial role.
“Being part of this team here under the leadership of Dr. (Shelli) Larkin, our director, and Shelly Lui, our associate director, have just been wonderful,” he said.
Lamp’s favorite part of the job is working together with his team to help and treat students.
“[SHS] is a great place to be a team and work together to make sure we get these students the best possible, highest quality level of care,” Lamp said. “Whether it’s mental or physical, we help them succeed in their academics and stay healthy.”
The relocation to the Health Sciences Building was prompted by the demolition of Pavilions I and II to make way for a new research building, which will be a valuable addition to the university.
The new center in the Health Sciences Building features updated infrastructure in a modern building, creating a more medical and welcoming environment for staff and students.
“The same services are still available to the students as was previously,” Lamp explained. “But I think now it's just in a more comfortable environment.”
Lamp’s favorite part of the new health center is the three colorful murals.
The Student Health Center hosted a campus mural competition where students designed artwork representing the center’s standards of “patient safety, quality healthcare, professionalism, and compassion.”
The first, second, and third place winners now have their artwork displayed and recognized throughout the center.
Lamp hopes the Student Health Center will become a stronger presence on campus in the future, as many students are unaware of the services available and helpful resources remain underutilized.
One such service is Get Yourself Tested (GYT), a confidential walk-in STI testing service available Monday through Friday. Additional services offered through the health department include free HIV testing and a safe sex supply distribution program.
“I'd love students to know that they can come in and see us or call anytime if they have any health related questions,” Lamp said.
Another important service for students is mental health care for anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia and other conditions.
SHS offers mental health triage appointments everyday with a provider that provides support and quickest access to mental health care.
“The more people that knew about our services, the more people we could serve,” Lamp said.
Augusta University’s Student Health Clinic hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For booking appointments and more information, visit: https://www.augusta.edu/shs/appointments.php.
Contact Amy Zhou at amyzhou@augusta.edu.
AU Student Health Services provides vaccinations, primary care, nutrition support and psychiatric services for AU students. Ground has been broken on a new site for the Student Health Clinic. (photos by Michael Holahan/AU DCM)
