FEATURE
A BEACON OF LIGHT How the deButts Health & Wellness Center lights the way for unparalleled adolescent care.
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hen Episcopal began discussing plans for a new health and wellness center, the architect met with members of the School’s leadership team, including its medical professionals, to envision how this building would serve the entire community. The group kept coming back to the same phrase. They wanted this building to be a beacon of light for all students — sick and well — to come ask for help, prioritize self-care, and learn the connection between physical health and mental well-being. “We wanted a beautiful, well-lit space that took the ‘infirmary’ out of health and wellness,” said Episcopal’s Medical Director Dr. Katie Humphries. “The goal was to create a beautiful place for students to come and take care of themselves and their friends. They don’t have to be sick to come here.” The resulting brand-new, light-filled 17,000 square-foot health and wellness center enables Episcopal’s medical professionals to provide unparalleled care to the student body. Constructed to replace McAllister Health Center, originally built in 1934 to serve a significantly smaller, all-male student body, the new building was constructed to address the changing needs of today’s teenagers. Recent data indicates there is a mental health crisis among adolescents, and Episcopal is now equipped to flexibly support our students in all areas of health.
DR. KATIE HUMPHRIES
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