HSCommunity: August 2024
/ Court Side
Welcome Home! If this is your first semester, my name is Court Lanham, and I am the director of diversity for Health Sciences. If you are returning, welcome back! This will be yet another amazing year for us to learn new things and connect with new people.
While you’re probably busy thinking about class schedules and assignments, I don’t want you to forget about your other needs – whether it be joining a club, finding a center to celebrate your culture or connecting with BeWell to support your mental health. Please take a moment to visit the WVU Well-being website to connect with resources, and do not hesitate to reach out if there is something you need that isn’t available.
As the semester begins, take a deep breath and take in this amazing time in the world and in your life. Country roads brought you exactly where you are meant to be!
/ Court Lanham, MSW (they/them)
Director of Diversity, WVU Health Sciences
Chancellor and Executive Dean’s Office
/ BeWell
It’s here – another semester, another year together! For those who aren’t familiar with us, my name is Layne Hitchcock, and I am the BeWell Coordinator. BeWell is an extension of the main counseling center, Carruth. I am blessed to be joined by Carmella Polak and Sarah Sadler as a member of the BeWell team.
We are passionate about helping our aspiring helpers at HSC! We have future dentists, doctors, nurses, physician assistants, public health experts, pharmacists, healthcare researchers and scientists, and the list keeps going. Each of you are pursuing degrees that will directly impact others’ lives.
Helping professions are so critical! However, helpers are at greater risk of burnout and mental health struggles. We want you to know there are resources for you.
- Take a free, short and anonymous mental health screening.
- If you want to schedule a free, confidential appointment with us, request an appointment online.
- We are hosting wellness drop in events throughout the semester with info tables and self-care activities. Our next event is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 2-4 p.m. in Pylons. No registration required.
- If you are a freshman or need a refresher on sharpening your toolkit for academic success, then please consider signing up for our Academic Coaching Workshop.
Looking forward to another semester together!
/ Layne M. Hitchcock, MA, ALPS, LPC (she/her)
BeWell Coordinator
Behavioral Health Clinician
BeWell, Extension of The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
/ Featured Events
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program Walk and Talk Sessions
FSAP Walk and Talk sessions combine free, confidential employee counseling with the benefits of physical activity to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood and promote a sense of well-being and relaxation. To schedule an appointment, contact FSAP at fsap@hsc.wvu.edu, 304-293-5590 or visit the website.
Burnout and Self-Care Workshop
Graduate Women Advocating Science and BeWell will host a workshop for Health Sciences graduate students to start the semester fresh with tactics to avoid burnout and employ self-care on Tuesday, Sept. 3, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Erma Byrd 201. Registration requested.
BeWell Wellness Activities
Drop by Pylons Commons on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 2-4 p.m. for self-care activities. No registration required.
Health Sciences Academic Coaching Workshops
BeWell, an extension of the Carruth Center, will host academic coaching workshops on Sept. 12 for Health Sciences students to learn tips on time management, effective study methods and ways to improve focus. An in-person session will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in the Health Sciences Center and a virtual session will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Register online.
Mindful Steps
Led by a team of expert instructors, this free 6-week series beginning Sept. 12 is designed to assist in developing and maintaining mindful resilience, mental fitness and relaxation. Participants are invited to attend the virtual one-hour sessions that offer a variety of simple yet practical tools to be mindful in daily living. Learn more.
Art Performance Day
The School of Medicine Department of Neurology and Synapses Art and Literary Magazine will host an Art Performance Day on Monday, Sept. 16, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Health Sciences Center Pylons Commons. The event will include a community mural, light refreshments, therapy dogs and more. Learn more and register to perform.
Pod Squad Discussion
Discover, connect and enjoy two podcasts each month from WVU and beyond. Join the first virtual meetup on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at noon to discuss selections from the Women in Science & Medicine Podcast and The Addicted Mind+ Podcast. Learn more and register to join.
/ Journey to Your Highest Potential
All Mountaineers deserve the opportunity to reach their greatest potential and live their best lives.
From basic needs and life skills to managing stress, self-care and more, you can find the resources and tools you need to support your well-being, build resiliency and succeed in one, searchable location.