Jamie Smith, Jessica Melin (FNP-C), Katherine Richards (RN), Aimee Gallian. Photo by Caroline Gerke.
By Lorraine Upton | Guest Writer
LYNCHBURG, Va. – All undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a residential program at the University of Lynchburg will be required to pay a $150 and $75 fee, respectively, for health and wellness services beginning in fall 2025.
HornetCare, Lynchburg’s combined health and counseling services, offers a variety of resources to students:
- Primary medical care
- Acute care
- Nutrition services
- Mental health counseling
- Laboratory services
- Prescription medicines
- 24/7 mental health support through TimelyCare
“The Student Health and Wellness Fee is being added to ensure the continued viability and enhancement of health and wellness services provided through HornetCare,” said Kristen Cooper, vice president of University Experience and Student Success (UESS).
Previously, the school’s health and counseling services have been funded by the University as a part of an operational budget, making most services free or at little cost to students. The low cost experience is uncommon for universities, especially in Virginia, where most schools already charge students a health and wellness fee.
Dr. Courtney Zongrone, the director of Counseling Services, says that the fee will help provide additional services as well as better quality care to Lynchburg students.
“This fee is just a piece of how we provide more elevated services to students and it’s your choice if you choose to use it or not, but the fee still exists,” Zongrone said.
While not an insurance program, the fee will be implemented to lower costs that are typically not covered by primary health insurance, which will help ensure that students receive timely, quality care.
HornetCare provides comprehensive health care to students at the University of Lynchburg. Availability is on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled on the Student Health Portal or by calling 434.544.8616. Walk-ins are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. Timely Care is a 24/7 mental health service available for student support.
Contact hornetcare@lynchburg.edu with any questions and visit HornetCare for more information.
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