NATCHITOCHES – Administrators from Northwestern State University and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center formalized an agreement July 16 that will allow eligible students to be referred to the NRMC Walk-In Clinic and receive acute care services and medications with no copay or deductibles due from the student.
NRMC’s services augment those available through NSU’s Heath Services clinic by providing advanced healthcare services upon referral as well as after hours, holiday and weekend care. Administrators say the three-year agreement will enhance student health, wellness and the overall student experience on campus.
“Our students will have access to wonderful healthcare which is the most important thing for them,” said NSU President James Genovese. “From a parental standpoint, it’s ease of mind know that when your child is at the university and they need medical attention, they have NRMC right there for them.”
“We support the students with access to care seven days a week, so when the on-campus infirmary is not available, we’re available after hours and weekends,” said NRMC CEO Kirk Soileau. “Plus we’ve availed our pharmacy to students as well which is open seven days a week.”
NSU’s Health Services clinic is open during week-day business hours with two nurses on staff to provide evaluations, over-the-counter medications and care for procedures like dressing changes and stitch/staple removal. The clinic is also a resource for health education, public health programs, disease prevention and confidential personal counseling while supporting federal and state health initiatives and mandates.
Health Services Director Jessica Nash said the agreement with NRMC will provide an extra resource for students on weekends and after hours.
NRMC has a long-standing history of supporting NSU and this is a continuation of those efforts, administrators said.
“This is just one of the many ways that NRMC is a premier and significant public/private partner with university and we’re very appreciative and very grateful,” said Laurie Morrow, executive director for Economic Development and University Advancement.
Information on NSU’s Health Services is available at https://www.nsula.edu/health-safety/#healthservices. Information on Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is available at https://www.nrmchospital.org/.