“The greatest wealth is health.”  

— Virgil 

More than 2,000 years ago, the Roman poet Virgil was on to something: One’s health is one’s wealth, which is to say that a person's health is the chief contributor to an enjoyable and meaningful life. These days “health” means both mental and physical well-being, and UHD takes both very seriously. 

Dr. Kira Gatewood, Assistant Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, is proud to share the great strides that the Division of Student Success and Student Life has made to serve students’ health and wellness needs through its newest division, Student Health Services. “UHD no longer contracts out its health service providers,” said Gatewood. “We now have nurse practitioner Christiana Adesina, APRN, FNP-C, on staff as well as Sandra Azekwoh, a registered nurse, and Medical Assistant Marlena Gonzales, who can schedule students for counseling and medical appointments. Sandra is a graduate of UHD’s own RN to BSN program.” 

Another step in improving health services is the new Point and Click Electronic Health Record System that allows students to schedule appointments, communicate with their health provider, and receive lab results and updates. “By moving away from paper records to the new electronic system, we are expediting record requests and providing better wrap-around care with coordination between the areas of physical and mental health,” said Gatewood. 

Student Health Services offers services to students through in-person and virtual appointments through the Gator Health Portal, by calling 713-221-8137, or by emailing HealthServices@uhd.edu.  

Student Health Services is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Services that require an appointment (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday) include: 

  • Preventative medical services. 
  • Comprehensive Health Check/Physical.
  • Well Men/Well Women Exam.
  • Contraceptive Consult.
  • Diagnosis and treatment of infections and minor injuries.
  • Labatory Testing including.
    • STD testing.
    • HIV testing.
    • Pregnancy Testing.
    • Comprehensive Blood Assay.

Walk-in services are also available and include: 

  • First aid, Ace Wrap for minor injuries.
  • Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure Screening.
  • Pregnancy testing.
  • Lactation Room.
  • Quiet Room. 

And here’s the fun part: Major the Therapy Dog visits UHD twice a month, decked out in his UHD bandana and filled with affection for students who need a little doggie-time to de-stress. UHD’s ultimate de-stressors, however, may be the new “Zen Dens.” One is in Room S604 in Counseling Services in the One Main Building, and two Zen Dens may be found at the Wellness and Success Center. There’s one for physical recovery with massage guns and foam rollers, while the other has sun lamps, massage chairs, and fidgets.  

What’s next for UHD’s Student Health Services? A name change, a move, and a consolidation. Soon, Student Health Services will be “Gator Health” in a new location with both medical and counseling services. Stay tuned!