IU South Bend's Health and Wellness Center opens doors to more than students

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Thanks to a “healthy” $8.7 million gift and fresh ideas from health professionals, Indiana University South Bend students along with the rest of the community have a new facility for all their wellness needs.

The Vera Z. Dywer Health and Wellness Center is now accepting any patient who needs care.

“We don’t turn anyone away based on their availability to pay. We’re a family practice office so we have family physicians. We also have integrated behavioral healthcare, so we can address the holistic needs of the patient,” said Chris Young, Healthlinc Site Manager.

The partnership between the university and federally qualified health center is one of the first of its kind in the nation, according to the school.

The providers at the center are nurse practitioners who are full-time faculty at IUSB’s School of Nursing.

“Their main job is obviously teaching but they come to the clinic and practice here,” said Kari Frame, Clinic Operations Manager.

Those learning from the practitioners get real-life experience with state of the art labs and a chance to work alongside healthcare professionals.

For every patient, the center provides a laundry list of services such as:

• Physical exams
• Free HIV testing
• STD testing
• Drug screens
• Vaccinations
• Tb tests
• Lab work

Young said there are also non-traditional services provided by this clinic like dental care, transportation, and legal services.

He says they offer the extra services because the goal of those at the clinic want to make sure your wellness comes first.

“If we can treat the patient, help them holistically, then we can bring that, whatever their needs are health-wise into the forefront.”

If you need health care but you are uninsured, the clinic does accept uninsured patients and uses a “sliding pay scale” to determine payment.

The Vera Z. Dwyer Health and Wellness Center is located on Northside Boulevard across from Northside Hall on IUSB’s campus.

To schedule an appointment call 888-580-1060.