News Summary
Grand Rapids Community College has opened HealthBar, a free health clinic for students aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility on campus. Led by Clinical Nurse Specialist Tiara Rudzinski, the clinic provides a variety of health services including routine wellness visits, COVID-19 testing, and chronic disease management. Appointments last about 30 minutes and are offered alongside supportive resources to create a non-judgmental environment. Funded through GRCC’s operating fund, the clinic plans to continue its services beyond the initial year.
Grand Rapids Launches Free Health Clinic for Students
On October 6, Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) opened a new health clinic named HealthBar, specifically designed to offer free health services to students. This initiative is spearheaded by Clinical Nurse Specialist Tiara Rudzinski, who aims to enhance healthcare accessibility on campus.
Aims and Services of HealthBar
HealthBar intends to provide proactive, preventive, and primary care directly to students, eliminating the barriers often associated with traditional healthcare settings, such as long waiting periods and uncomfortable environments. The clinic offers a range of services, including:
- Routine wellness visits
- Blood sugar checks
- Rapid testing for COVID-19, flu, and strep throat
- Chronic disease management
- Injury evaluations
All consultations and visits with Rudzinski are free of charge, whereas additional services, including lab work or imaging, may incur costs billed to students’ insurance providers.
Clinic Operations and Scheduling
Appointments at HealthBar generally last about 30 minutes, with options for longer visits when needed. The clinic operates from the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, Room 223, and offers in-person services on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For students’ convenience, the clinic has dedicated appointment slots from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m., with walk-in hours available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. To ensure students can be seen, the last walk-in is accepted by 5:30 p.m., and the clinic pauses for lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.
Supportive Environment and Additional Resources
Rudzinski highlights an emphasis on creating a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere, making it easier for students to seek health advice on any topic, regardless of its perceived significance. Additionally, the clinic features a HealthBar On-Demand service available daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., allowing students to call for assistance at any time by dialing 616-200-6412.
Funding and Future Plans
The free services provided by HealthBar are funded through GRCC’s general operating fund. There are plans for the clinic to continue its operations beyond the initial one-year contract, ensuring sustained support for student health needs.
About Tiara Rudzinski
Tiara Rudzinski, a graduate student and a new mother, brings a unique perspective to her role, which enhances her empathetic approach toward addressing student health concerns. Students are encouraged to inquire about health issues, no matter how trivial they may appear, fostering an inclusive dialogue around health and wellness.
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Additional Resources
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Welcomes Free Health Clinic
- The Collegiate Live: Pop into the Movies with GRCC Counseling Center
- Community College Daily: Teaching Time-Starved Healthcare Providers to Cook
- Fox 17: GRCC, U of M Health West Partner to Support New Nurses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
