Groundbreaking for New UA Student Health Center Set for Jan. 13

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Russell Student Health Center at The University of Alabama will host a groundbreaking ceremony Jan. 13 for a new facility that will provide state-of-the-art health care and expand the emphasis on wellness and healthy habits for students.

The 3:30 p.m. ceremony will be held in the academic lobby of the UA School of Medicine located behind University Medical Center on the corner of University Blvd. and 5th Avenue East in Tuscaloosa. Those expected to participate in the ceremony are UA President Robert E. Witt; Dr. Eugene Marsh, interim dean of the College of Community Health Sciences; John Maxwell, chief administrative officer of Russell Student Health Center; and Hal Mooty, UA Student Government Association president.

Construction on the 17,203-square-foot building started in December 2004, after the UA Board of Trustees awarded a building contract to WAR Construction of Tuscaloosa. The architectural firm of Sherlock, Smith and Adams in Montgomery designed the new Russell Student Health Center, the student recreation center and University Medical Center.

With a projected completion date of December 2005, the new Russell Student Health Center will feature 17 examination rooms, various treatment rooms, a health education area, a larger pharmacy and a more student friendly environment to provide students with the highest quality of care. The new facility will be connected to University Medical Center, providing comprehensive health care services in one location.

Marsh said the Russell Student Health Center, with its emphasis on health maintenance and disease prevention, can play a key role in students’ lives.

“This new center sends a very positive message to students, their parents, and the state about the importance that UA places on healthy life skills,” Marsh said. “This is an opportune time in our students’ lives for learning healthy habits and for learning how to be active participants in health care. The close proximity to the Student Recreation Center and the University Medical Center help in achieving this goal.”