$150,000 from NY will upgrade health center at Brockport State College

Provided photo – Pictured from left: SUNY Brockport student Kelly Valente of Mottville, NY; SUNY Brockport student Mariel Rivera of Webster, NY; State Sen. Rob Ortt; SUNY Brockport President Dr. Heidi Macpherson; and SUNY Brockport Chief Communications Officer David Mihalyov.

Press Release, State Sen. Rob Ortt

BROCKPORT – Senator Rob Ortt (R – North Tonawanda) today met Brockport State College’s president and students to announce $150,000 in state funds to renovate the Hazen Health Center.

The money, included in the 2015-16 state budget, will be used to modernize and upgrade approximately 3,000 square feet of the 12,000 square-foot student health center in Hazen Hall.

The college’s holistic Hazen Health Center is available to all enrolled students for both their physical and mental health needs. The funds secured by Senator Ortt will ensure an improved delivery of physical and mental health care to students.

“As chairman of the Mental Health Committee, it’s imperative for me to do what I can to help with the psychological well-being of individuals, improve mental health care services, and aid and educate in the prevention of mental illness,” said Senator Ortt. “College can be a stressful time in a person’s life and can take a mental and physical toll on our students. Outreach programs and services offered at places like the Hazen Health Center can deliver much-needed support at a critical time.”

The College at Brockport President Dr. Heidi Macpherson said, “The Hazen Center has been a leader in the field of Health, Counseling and Prevention/Outreach Services among New York colleges. In 2013-14, there were 3,401 individuals who received assistance with health services, and more than 900 individuals who received counseling services. I applaud Senator Ortt and the New York State Legislature for recognizing and investing in the health and wellness needs of our campus community.”

Renovation work includes updating patient rooms, improving waiting areas to make them more discrete, and transforming an underutilized back room into three new offices. The building will also have new floors, ceilings, lights and wall finishes to modernize the Hazen Health Center. Construction is expected to start this summer.

The $150,000 in capital funds for the project may be used for the payment of capital costs of construction, demolition, replacement, renovation, planning and design.