A recent critical health threat has been abated through proactive medical measures and the positive interactions of our highly responsible students, staff, and faculty. I am pleased by the supportive response of our entire community.
Early this month, one of our students was hospitalized with meningococcal meningitis, a debilitating and potentially deadly disease. Fortunately, the student made a remarkable recovery and was released from the hospital one week later. The response to this emergency by students, faculty, and staff was most commendable.
When we learned of the illness and were satisfied that the needs of the student and his family were being met, Dr. Eddie Knowles, interim vice president for student life, took the lead in bringing together all those who would manage our response to this community health emergency. The Gallagher Health Center quickly treated all those who had been in close contact with the infected student. Then we made the vaccine available at no charge to all students, faculty, and staff. Almost 1,900 individuals received their shots in the Rensselaer Union. When added to those already immunized, nearly seven out of 10 students at Rensselaer have been inoculated against the disease—a stellar record, according to our own Dr. Athanasiou, Rensselaer medical director.
Dr. Athanasiou and his staff reacted quickly and professionally. They deserve our immense gratitude and praise. Our students also earned my highest esteem. You acted calmly and responsibly in a situation of considerable concern to you and your families. Our staff in student life, information services, telecommunications, Public Safety, media relations, and many other units were indispensable in coordinating our response and in communicating with the campus, parents, alumni, and the general public. I want to offer a special "thank you" to the staff of The Polytechnic for its role in publicizing the immunization program, and for treating the illness with the seriousness it deserved. By presenting prompt, accurate, and thorough information, you performed a vital public service for our campus community.
Proactive health care has long been a priority at Rensselaer. In addition to state-mandated immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella, Rensselaer recommends that all students be immunized against meningitis and hepatitisB. Rensselaer also urges everyone to undergo screening for tuberculosis and receive updated inoculations against tetanus.
Last fall, more than 450 students, faculty, and staff took advantage of our on-campus TB testing. That program of free screenings by the Rensselaer County Department of Health will become routine at Rensselaer. The Health Center also sponsors free influenza vaccines. A walk to the Rensselaer Union can spare you the ravages of the flu season, which typically runs from December through March. In addition, the Gallagher Health Center sponsors health fairs and programs in residence halls, fraternities, and sororities to provide important information on subjects ranging from communicable diseases to exercise and nutrition.
We provide a comprehensive, accredited, physician-directed health program that features an outpatient medical clinic, hospital, and pharmacy. A certified laboratory, gynecological and allergy clinics, a counseling center, wellness programs, and a Student Health Advisory Committee are part of these services.
I urge all of you to take advantage of the services that Rensselaer provides to help keep you well.
