Student Health Services

Student Health Services’ designation for LGBTQ+ health care practices is the latest recognition of George Mason’s inclusive campus environment

Shayla Brown — Thu, 30 May 2024 16:51:55 +0000

Student Health Services’ designation for LGBTQ+ health care practices is the latest recognition of George Mason’s inclusive campus environment Shayla Brown Thu, 05/30/2024 - 12:51

��AV’s Student Health Services (SHS) is one of 462 health care facilities to receive the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2024 Healthcare Equality Index. 

“Medicine in general has a significant history of systemic inequality, so one of the big focuses of my job is to make sure that we are addressing those inequalities and promoting health equity,” said Megan Symanowitz, SHS’s Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence health equity lead nurse. “SHS is very enthusiastic about supporting our LGBTQ+ students and learning more about how to better serve that population.”

This year was George Mason’s first time applying for the designation, said Symanowitz.

Megan Symanowitz. Photo provided.

“It's something we've been working on at the clinic for years now in collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and George Mason’s School of Nursing. They've really helped us to identify areas where we needed to serve this community better,” said Symanowitz, who is also an alumna of the School of Nursing.

For example, acknowledging the pronouns and chosen name of every individual is one area where staff received input and made improvements, she said.

“The center guided us in making in our electronic medical health records, so people are able to self-identify their sexuality, and trans or nonbinary statuses if they want,” said Symanowitz.

“That way from the very first time we interact with a student, we’re addressing them correctly and they're not constantly having to explain themselves.”

Their team also conducts Safe Zone training, name change clinics, trans health workshops, and provides regular updates on the best health practices for the LGBTQ+ community.

This designation, which exemplifies how George Mason facilities go above and beyond the average health care practices of LGBTQ+ patient care in higher education, is one of several inclusive recognitions George Mason has received.

Last year, George Mason was one of 30 universities in the United States and the only Virginia-based institute to be awarded a “best of the best” ranking by Campus Pride.

George Mason also received a five-star Premiere Campus ranking by the Campus Pride Index, the highest possible ranking, said Josh Kinchen, director of LGBTQ+ Resources Center.

According to Forbes Advisor, George Mason is the #1 online LGBTQ+ friendly college of 2024.

Mary Lucal. Photo provided.

“Student Health Services' recent designation, coupled with Forbes Advisor naming us the top LGBTQ-friendly university, really speaks to the efforts of our faculty, staff, and students in making George Mason a place where everyone can be their authentic selves,” said Mary Lucal, vice president and chief human resources officer at George Mason.

As of August 2023, George Mason is one of 20 Division-I institutions to achieve a score of 100 on the Athletic Equity Index, in part due to efforts of the George Mason Athletics LGBTQ+ Student-Athlete Group.

“We often collaborate with athletics and offices like the resources center to expand our audience,” said Jake Kornfeld, a senior government international politics major and co-president of Pride Alliance, a registered student organization of George Mason.

“Our main goal is to provide safe spaces for healing and asking questions,” he said.

For example, the Pride Alliance organized an event where former Harvard swimmer Schuyler Bailar, the first transgender athlete to compete in on a NCAA Division I men’s team, came to speak at George Mason’s Fairfax Campus.

“He’s from the [D.C.] area, and he swam at George Mason’s pool as a kid. He shared his story about being a trans athlete. That was something that was really meaningful for a lot of people at George Mason,” said Kornfeld.

Josh Kinchen. Photo provided.

Collaborative efforts across different offices, affinity groups, and departments show George Mason’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and to promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Other resources for the health and safety of the LGBTQ+ community at George Mason include the LGBTQ+ Peer Mentoring Program, LGBTQ+ residential Learning Community, and the Safe Zone+ Workshop Series among others.

“What we want is for families and students to be able to choose George Mason as a place where they feel that they can be academically successful while also being who they are without fear of violence or discrimination, and thrive in their identity,” said Kinchen.

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Student Health Services

Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:53:28 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer Lauren Reuscher Wed, 02/21/2024 - 09:53

Rachel Wernicke

Job: Associate Dean and Chief Mental Health Officer, University Life

Rachel Wernicke has worked as an Army officer, psychologist, therapist, and coach. In 2019, she moved into her current role: associate dean and chief mental health officer at ��AV.

Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer at Mason. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

At that time, University Life at Mason created the role of chief mental health officer to address student mental health from a more strategic, public health approach. This decision happened at a critical moment, just before the world entered the greatest mental health challenge of a generation: a global pandemic.

A group effort: “We continue to see significant need for mental health support in students, faculty, and staff,” Wernicke said. “Supporting mental health takes a whole campus effort, with the engagement of our entire Mason community and a commitment to creating a culture and providing the programs and services that sustain mental health and well-being.”

According to Wernicke, nearly every role on campus is connected to this work, “even if on the surface it may not seem so,” she said.

Supporting the troops: Wernicke’s time as an Army captain influenced her decision to become a psychologist. “A core Army leadership practice focuses on caring for people,” Wernicke said. “Learning how to do this when I served as an Army officer led me to study psychology and become a therapist.” The leadership lessons she learned in the Army continue to shape her leadership style today.

Passion for education: As a therapist in training, Wernicke had the opportunity to work in college mental health, and she loved working with students. “Although I’ve practiced in hospitals and other settings, I kept returning to higher education over the years,” Wernicke said.

Wernicke serves as cochair of Mason’s Mental Health and Well-Being Task Force. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Mental health as the second pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic brought increased attention to the need for expanded mental health care. As a result, Mason has adapted and expanded its mental health services for students.

“Both Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Student Health Services (SHS) had to shift their services to meet the needs of students during the pandemic,” Wernicke said. “The most critical shift was to offer telemental health services for students.”

Answering the call: The number of students seeking mental health services is rising, both at Mason and nationally, continuing a trend that was underway before the pandemic. From 2010 to 2020, the total number of students served by Mason’s CAPS increased by 55%. The growing demand for services hasn’t stopped.

“As of January 2024, just over halfway through our fiscal year, CAPS has supported more than 1,100 students,” Wernicke said. “This compares to 1,254 students served during the entirety of the previous fiscal year.”

Multiple avenues for care: SHS also provides mental health care to students. “SHS provides universal screening for depression and substance use concerns to all students being seen by a health care provider,” Wernicke said. “Any student who screens positive for these concerns is offered treatment.”

In the 2023 fiscal year, SHS had 725 behavioral health interactions with students, a 266% increase from the prior year.

Mason launched a partnership with a telemental health vendor, TimelyCare, in fall 2022. This care option reaches students wherever they are located, at whatever time is convenient for them. Through TimelyCare, students may access free mental health services 24/7, 365 days a year. As of January 2024, TimelyCare has provided mental health services to 1,518 Mason students since its launch.

Planning for the future: Mason continues to evolve its approach to supporting mental health. Wernicke serves as cochair of Mason’s Mental Health and Well-Being Task Force with Nance Lucas, executive director of Mason’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being.

“We are working to raise awareness of the resources available to our community and to make recommendations for programs, policies, practices, and services that will support a culture of mental health and well-being at Mason,” Wernicke said.

The task force includes students, faculty, and staff from across the university. “The charge is both aspirational and practical, focusing on creating a systems approach to mental health and well-being at Mason,” Wernicke said.

Putting ideas into action: This year, their goals are to identify a Mason model of mental health and well-being, recommend ways that well-being and mental health services can be expanded, enhance the inclusiveness of these programs and services, and increase community awareness of what is already available. The Patriots Thriving Together hub has been created as a starting point for Mason students and employees to find resources.

Finding joy: Practicing what she preaches, Wernicke finds ways to support her own well-being. “I have three kids—they’re in college, high school, and middle school—so keeping up with their activities and staying connected with them is a priority,” Wernicke said. “Music is a major source of well-being for me and something I enjoy with my family.” She also finds joy and relaxation by exercising, running, spending time with friends, and cooking.

Support from all around: Wernicke says she thrives at Mason because of the people around her. “I’m lucky to be able to work with some of the most talented and committed clinicians, educators, and advocates in CAPS, SHS, and Disability Services,” Wernicke said. “I appreciate being able to work with people from across the university who are committed to student health and well-being.”

Mental health and well-being resources at Mason:

Patriots Thriving Together
Counseling and Psychological Services: 703-993-2380
Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC): SSAC Support Request
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor
TimelyCare
Mason's Center for Community Mental Health

Watch Wernicke’s Tedx Talk, “Mental Health in the New Normal: Shaping Our COVID Stories,” for more insights about the pandemic’s impact on mental health and well-being.

Watch Wernicke's Tedx Talk

Mental Health and Well-Being Resources at Mason

Meet more of the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho
June 19, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim
April 26, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer
February 23, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar
January 12, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair
October 20, 2023

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Meet the Mason Nation

Faculty and Staff News

Well-Being

Mental Health

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Student Health Services

Women's History Month

This Mason public health student wants you to know about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Shayla Brown — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:30:41 +0000

This Mason public health student wants you to know about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Shayla Brown Mon, 02/05/2024 - 12:30

Kayla Moore sees testing for sexually transmitted diseases as a key part of public health, and the doorway to a healthy community.

Moore is currently getting her master of social work at ��AV’s College of Public Health, and in recognition of the 25th anniversary of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, has organized a two-part event at Mason’s Fairfax Campus that speaks to public health.

“A lot of people don't realize that HIV and AIDS is still prevalent, or that you can live a fulfilled life even with a positive status,” said Moore, an ARIE graduate assistant at Student Health Services, which provides free STD and STI testing.

Kayla Moore. Photo provided.

Moore reached out to her ARIE Supervisor Megan Symanowitz and internship advisor Juton Myers about hosting an event. Moore, along with Myers, plans and participates in events that represent the QTBIPOC branch of the LBGTQ+ community.

“My background is in advocacy and advocating for marginalized communities,” said Moore, who previously worked in criminal justice. “That's my bread and butter, and where my appreciation of clinical social work comes from. The DMV has very high transmissions of HIV, and Black women are affected by it the most.”

Moore’s experience in criminal justice taught her that she really cared about the clients, but wanted to focus more on trying to get them services that they need, she said.

“It's challenging being a Black woman in public health or clinical social work because there's not a lot of us, but the ones that are here are doing some big things,” she said.

Moore worked with campus partners including the Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment (CCEE) and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, as well as with the community health organization NovaSalud, to create the two-part event. On Wednesday, February 7, a discussion and exchange of information will take place in the Paul Robeson Room in the Johnson Center to go along with this year’s theme, "Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Community,” as well as STI/HIV testing in Student Health Services.

The discussion will be led by Stephanie Funkhouser, a health and well-being promotion coordinator from Student Health Services, and Global and Community Health (GCH) and School of Integrative Studies professor Garey Davis.

“Students often don't have a lot of money, or they don’t want their tests to show up on their parents’ insurance,” Moore said. “There is also this stigma attached to getting tested, so offering free testing to college students makes it easier for them to be informed and have peace of mind. People knowing their status is doing a service for the whole community.”

Moore is also working with the LGBTQ+ Resource Center on a community block party that will encompass a large clothing swap, food, music, and health workshops.

Get to know the College of Public Health

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master of social work

Advocacy

Student Health Services

Fairfax County Health Department recognizes Mason for outstanding partnership in pandemic response

Colleen Rich — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:33:18 +0000

Fairfax County Health Department recognizes Mason for outstanding partnership in pandemic response Colleen Rich Wed, 04/19/2023 - 13:33

��AV was recognized by the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) for being an outstanding system partner in managing and operationalizing the university's pandemic planning, response, and recovery. The partnership, which began long before the COVID-19 pandemic, has been vital in enhancing the health and well-being of the shared communities.

Mason was recognized by the Fairfax County Health Department for being an outstanding partner in pandemic response. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

When the pandemic hit, Student Health Services (SHS) quickly reached out to FCHD to leverage their public health expertise, situational awareness, and access to vaccines. Safety, Emergency, and Enterprise Risk Management (SEERM), SHS, Athletics, Human Resources, and FCHD met frequently throughout the pandemic to share knowledge and resources and discuss strategies related to outbreak mitigation and management.

As vaccines became available, Mason was able to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine through mass vaccination clinics, mobile clinics, and routine vaccine clinics that are still in operation today. They also provided testing to the community, which alleviated some of the burden on regional and county testing sites.

The success of the university's initial vaccine clinics reinforced the strong sense of trust and camaraderie between the university and the FCHD. This led to FCHD entrusting Mason with enough vaccine supplies to operate the region's second largest mass vaccination clinic, capable of offering up to 3,000 vaccines per day for the regional community, as well as Mason students, faculty, and staff.

The university's vaccine clinics and testing capacity have alleviated pressure on regional health departments, increased access to tests and vaccines, and provided vaccines to underserved communities through a mobile vaccine clinic program. These efforts demonstrated Mason’s commitment to public health and serving the regional community.

Julie Zobel, associate vice president of SEERM and Mason’s COVID director, expressed her gratitude for the partnership between Mason and FCHD. "We are honored to have worked alongside the Fairfax County Health Department to serve our community during these challenging times,” said Zobel. “The success of our pandemic response would not have been possible without this partnership. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and commitment to public health”

“We are grateful for our partnership with the Fairfax County Health Department,” added Steve Wintermeyer, interim director of SHS. “Their expertise in contact tracing helped us to contain outbreaks and provide expert, timely guidance to our student body. I am proud that Student Health Services had the opportunity to contribute to the overall health and well-being of our shared community. I am very grateful to our staff who helped so many students during such a challenging time."

In recognition of Mason’s incredible contribution to the region's pandemic response, Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of health at FCHD, visited Mason to present certificates of appreciation to key Mason players involved in the response to the COVID pandemic.

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Faculty and Staff News

Safety Emergency and Enterprise Risk Management SEERM

Student Health Services

COVID-19 Operations

Mason flu shot clinics promote community wellness

Colleen Rich — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 17:31:58 +0000

Mason flu shot clinics promote community wellness Colleen Rich Thu, 10/07/2021 - 13:31

The flu season started earlier than usual, said Lisa L. Park, MD, MPH, executive director of Student Health Services at ��AV. And that makes it even more important for Mason Patriots to get their annual flu shots, if they haven’t already.

“The flu shot is really another tool that we have in our arsenal of public health measures to protect our community,” Park said.

In an effort to get as many people as possible immunized against the flu, Mason has announced dates for its annual Winter Wellness Flu Shot Clinics.

Registration is now open, and flu shots will be available on the Fairfax, Science and Technology, and Arlington Campuses on the following dates: Fairfax Campus: Thursday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center; SciTech Campus: Tuesday, Oct. 19, noon to 1 p.m. in Colgan Hall, Room 110H; and Arlington Campus: Oct. 26, noon to 1 p.m. in Van Metre, Room 210. Park says the clinic has historically produced a steady turnout, and nurses typically administer up to 200 shots to students. In addition, flu shots are available to students by appointment at Student Health Services. “We historically administer 600 to 800 shots in our clinic for students in a normal winter season.”

Each year, Mason immunization/allergy nurse specialist Eileen Neunaber, BSN, RN, who’s served at Mason for 12 years, works with Human Resources to organize the Winter Wellness Clinic. “Eileen and other SHS nurses do a great job of ensuring that our students have good access to the flu shot,” Park said.

This year, even those with egg allergies can also get a flu shot. FLUBLOK—a different brand of flu vaccine—is now available.

“Common side effects for the flu shot are low grade fever, body aches, soreness at the site, and you may feel more tired the day or two after because your body’s immune system is responding to the vaccine,” said Park.

Those most affected by the flu are similar to those affected most affected by the coronavirus—the very young, elderly, or immunocompromised.

The flu and COVID-19 are respiratory viruses that are transmissible by respiratory droplets. The probability of transmission is greatly reduced by wearing masks, adhering to physical distancing guidelines, and practicing good hand hygiene, according to Amira Albert Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology in Mason’s College of Health and Human Services.

Because there are less population-wide public health measures in place, and more people interacting than last year, Park doesn’t think this year’s flu season will be as mild as last year. She urges everyone to get their flu shot now because in this region the flu season generally peaks around December or January.

“Flu symptoms are very similar to COVID-19 symptoms,” said Park. “They can both present with common symptoms of fever, chills, fatigue, and sore throat.”

The cost for the flu shot for students without insurance is $30 (offered only at the Fairfax event with a Mason ID). Students can also get flu shots administered by Giant pharmacists for free with insurance. Flu shots are also free for students with Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan.

The Winter Wellness Flu Shot Clinics are also open to Mason employees, and registration is available on the HR website.

“The flu shot clinics are one of our most anticipated employee events of the year,” said Lester Arnold, vice president for Human Resources and Payroll. “Everyone is always so eager and excited to do their part in protecting themselves and the community. We are happy to provide on-site flu shot clinics at our three Virginia campuses as a convenient option for faculty and staff.”

Last year, 160 flu shots were administered to faculty and staff. In previous years, around 250 to 300 flu shots were administered to Mason employees. Flu shots for Mason employees have been offered by HR since 2010, and their partnership with Student Health Services began in 2012.

Giant pharmacists administer free flu shots to COVA members. Mason employees are advised to complete and bring the pharmacy's consent form to ensure a faster process. Learn more about this year's vaccine on the Centers for Disease Control's website.

Flu shot clinics will follow all safety and social distancing protocols. Shots will be offered by appointment only. Students may register for a Winter Wellness Clinic or get more information about flu shot options at the Student Health Services website. Employees should email questions to worklife@gmu.edu.

“If you currently have any COVID symptoms—fever, chills, if you’re symptomatic, don’t come to the Winter Wellness Flu Clinic,” Park added. “We want to keep everybody safe.”

Participants in the Winter Wellness Flu Shot Clinic should bring their Mason ID to the clinic, wear a face covering, wear a short sleeve shirt, bring a health insurance ID card (if using), and complete the Mason COVID Health Check before coming to campus.

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Faculty and Staff News

flu shots

Student Health Services

Behind the scenes at #DoYourPartMason

Damian Cristodero — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 21:04:56 +0000

Behind the scenes at #DoYourPartMason Damian Cristodero Thu, 12/10/2020 - 16:04

Lisa Park
Executive Director, Student Health Services

Lisa Park laughed when asked what keeps her busy during a typical day.

“Meetings,” she said laughing. “A lot of meetings about processes that affect the whole university and processes that affect student health and the clinical care we provide to students.”

Park wasn’t kidding.

She has six meetings a week with the outbreak mitigation team, including three with the Fairfax County Health Department to pinpoint trends or clusters of outbreaks.

There are meetings about diagnostic and surveillance testing strategy, and quarantine and isolation, as well as clinical meetings concerning continually evolving scientific evidence around COVID care and applying those changes at Student Health Services and university-wide.

“It’s pretty complex in terms of figuring out what strategy to have based on scientific evidence, medical evidence and public health guidance, and then figuring out how that affects students, how it will be operationalized at the university level,” Park said.

Park is coordinating the planning for diagnostic testing in the spring semester.

“Testing is one piece of containing the virus,” Park said. “Getting a sample from a patient is one step—you have to be able to get the test results through IT infrastructure. They have to be accurate—that’s the lab. You have to be able to communicate the test results to the patient, to the health department, to housing if there are residential students so they can be isolated, and close contacts quarantined. So there are many more pieces to managing COVID than just testing, and so many hardworking people involved for each test.”

The most important factor this fall, Park said, has been buy-in from the Mason community.

“I’ve said from the beginning, this pandemic is really driven by people’s behavior,” she said. “I think that Mason, especially students and staff, have been great at following those behavior precautions. And that is what has kept us pretty safe at Mason.”