As young adults, university students learn to master far more than academic subjects; they also learn how to live independently and make individual decisions, especially regarding their health and lifestyle.
As parents of a current Washington University in St. Louis student and two graduates, Linda and David Habif know that experiences with health and wellness issues during these formative college years play a significant role in establishing future health habits. The Habifs feel so strongly about the need for comprehensive health services at Washington University that they have made it their priority to support new health and wellness programs and facility upgrades.
The Linda Johnston Habif Society has already been established to recognize the Habifs and all alumni, parents, and friends who support health promotion and wellness for Washington University students. Now, the University is recognizing the family’s long-standing commitment and support by naming its new facility the Habif Health & Wellness Center.
This semester, the Habif Health & Wellness Center opened on the garden level of Forsyth House at the corner of Big Bend and Shepley Drive. For the first time, all health and wellness services are located under one roof. Prior to moving into the new facility on the South 40, student medical and mental health treatment was provided at Student Health Services in Umrath Hall. Health Promotion Services was physically separated, located in the Ann W. Olin Women’s Building.
With the opening of the new facility, Chancellor Wrighton remarked, “I am pleased to announce the creation of a new, expanded medical and counseling space to address the health needs of generations of students. The new facility is dedicated to the enhancement of the health and wellness of each student and the entire Washington University community. The impact of the Habif’s support is truly remarkable in scope. I am very grateful to Linda and David Habif for their generosity and their concern for our students. This remarkable commitment to support our students begins a new chapter in encouraging healthy lifestyles for our students.”
Alan I. Glass, M.D., the Center’s director, explained that the Habif Health & Wellness Center is designed to optimize its physical space to benefit and support all students.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work out of a beautiful state-of-the-art facility. We’ve always practiced quality medicine, but I know that we’re going to do an even better job in this new facility,” said Glass. “All staff members in the areas of primary care, mental health care, and the promotion of health and wellness are in the same space for the first time in our history. This creates beneficial collaborations and professional efficiencies that we need to perform at the best level of our abilities.”
Highlights of the new Center include having a prominent physical presence where many undergraduate students live and easy accessibility for those who do not; full accessibility for students with disabilities; an enhanced triage area; a complete women’s health suite; and new dispensary space. With a focus on privacy, the Center also provides the first shared waiting room for medical and mental health patients for any university of comparable size. The shared waiting room is revolutionary because it gives equal focus to mental and physical health patients.
Knowing that access to and education about healthcare is directly related to academic success, the Habif Health & Wellness Center concentrates on outreach to students. The Health Promotion and Prevention staff provides information on nutrition, fitness and recreation, safety, sleep patterns, and stress management.
The Habif Health & Wellness Center serves all undergraduate and graduate students, as well as any spouses or domestic partners of students who enroll in the University health plan. A formal dedication of the new facility will take place over Parents Weekend in October 2006.
The Habif family’s relationship with Washington University began in 1993 when their daughter, Stephanie, came here as a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences. Meredith followed two years later, enrolling as a student in the Olin School of Business. Stephanie graduated in 1997 and Meredith in 1999. Their son, David, is now a freshman in Arts & Sciences.
David Habif, M.D., retired director of the Teaneck, NJ Radiology Center, serves on the University’s Board of Trustees and on the National Council on Undergraduate Experience. David also served as a leader of Washington University’s Regional Cabinet in Northern New Jersey. Both David and Linda have a long and active association with Washington University’s Parents Council and previously served as the Council’s co-chairs. The Habifs currently reside in Sarasota, Florida.