On Oct. 6 a new health clinic officially opened its doors to Grand Rapids Community College students, with Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Tiara Rudzinski at the helm.
“HealthBar is like having a personal healthcare team right on campus – minus the awkward waiting room magazines and the three-week appointment delays,” stated Rudzinski in an email interview with The Collegiate. “As a school-based clinic, HealthBar brings proactive, preventive, and primary care directly to students, making it easier to get help when you need it, where you need it. Whether you’re dealing with a sore throat, a sprained ankle, or just wondering if that weird rash is worth Googling (spoiler: it’s not), HealthBar is here to help – no judgment, no shame, and definitely no dumb questions.”
In a world where access to healthcare is often limited, this on-campus resource is meant to offer students high-quality care and support without breaking the bank. HealthBar works with a number of other businesses and schools, such as Hudsonville Ice Cream and Grand Valley State University, to provide care for those with limitations in their schedules or budgets. While potential additional services such as labs or imaging would be billed to insurance, visits and calls with Rudzinski are always completely free. Additionally, she offers to collaborate with student’s primary care providers to ensure continuity of care. Appointments last around 30 minutes, but longer visits can be scheduled as needed.
As a CNS, grad-student, and new mother, Rudzinski is all too familiar with the chaos of a busy routine and understands that seeking support amidst it all can be daunting. This lends her a perspective that is both empathetic and informational as she works to alleviate some of the stress that comes with navigating the healthcare system.
“First and foremost, I want you to know that I’m here for you – judgment-free, pressure-free, and always with your well-being in mind,” Rudzinski wrote. “Whether you’re dealing with something serious, something awkward, or just have a question you’re not sure how to ask, my role is to support you, not to critique or shame. Health can be complicated, and I’m here to help you navigate it with kindness and understanding.”
Located at the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center (Room 223), the clinic offers a number of services. Aside from routine wellness visits, the clinic provides blood sugar checks, rapid testing (COVID-19, flu, strep throat), chronic disease management, injury-evaluations, and more. The free visits provided by this collaboration with HealthBar are funded through GRCC’s general operating fund, and while the initial contract will last for one year, the hope is to make the clinic an ongoing feature of the school’s campus. Though the clinic is only open in-person twice a week, students can also reach HealthBar On-Demand from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 616-200-6412.
“I truly believe there’s no such thing as a “dumb” question. If it’s on your mind, it’s worth asking. And while I might not always have the answer right away (I’m good, but I’m not a walking encyclopedia), I’ll do my best to find it – or connect you with someone who can,” wrote Rudzinski, “My goal is to meet you where you are, listen without judgment, and help you take steps toward feeling your best. So whether you’re stopping by for a quick check-in, a lingering concern, or just need someone to talk to about your health – I’m here, and I’ve got your back.”
GRCC’s new health clinic is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students will be able to schedule appointments from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Walk-in hours are first-come, first-served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and resume from 4 to 6 p.m., with the final walk-in accepted no later than 5:30 p.m.
The clinic is closed from 1 to 2 p.m. for lunch. If students have questions, they are encouraged to call Rudzinski at 616-234-2220 and can expect to hear back during operating hours.
