MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine M. McGrath
561-297-1168, kmcgrath@fau.edu

FAU's College of Nursing Launches West Gate
Community Wellness Center

BOCA RATON, FL (October 15, 2004) - Florida Atlantic University's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is scheduled to host an open house for the first free standing community wellness center owned by the university. The open house will be held on Tuesday, October 19 at 3 p.m. at the new West Gate Community Wellness Center, 1650 Osceola Drive, West Palm Beach.

"The Center will provide an important access point for those in the community to obtain the quality healthcare they deserve," said Dr. Anne Boykin, dean of the College of Nursing. "We are grateful to our community partners for the support of this new Center: The Quantum Foundation, The School District of Palm Beach County, and Royal Concrete Concepts, Inc."

The West Gate Community Wellness Center consists of 3 examination rooms, a multipurpose room, a front and back office, reception area, lab and private counseling room. The Center began seeing patients on July 19, 2004.

Services at the Center include enrolling eligible Palm Beach County residents in a special Health Care District program that provides 90 days of insurance coverage for primary care services and prescription medication. Advanced registered nurse practitioners complete a comprehensive health history and physical examination, which focuses on health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Other services provided include well-child and school physicals, immunizations, annual well-woman examinations, patient education and counseling.
Undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Nursing have the ability to study nursing at this site.

The students' main focus is coming to understand what matters to individuals and families in this community and creating nursing responses which enhance well-being. At the Center, faculty and graduate students also may conduct research and study ways to influence health policy.

For more information on the West Gate Community Center, contact Ellen Krystofik at 561-297-2585 or krystofi@fau.edu.

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