Health Center heroes BYU–Hawaii healthcare workers say they were ready for COVID-19 because they follow gospel preparedness principles BY ADAM LIVINGSTON
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ove for the people they serve is what BYU–Hawaii Health Center employees said keeps them motivated through the chaos of COVID-19. Despite impacts to their service, such as shortened hours and reduced staff, they said they were prepared because they followed the Lord’s counsel. Laurie Abregano, director of Health Services, said, “I love interacting with our students. I love to see the little babies as they come in. I love assisting those who need help in pursuing their academic dreams. I love working with my colleagues and co-workers. I can’t say it enough, what an awesome team we have in the Health Center as well as the Student Medical Benefit Office. I am happiest when I can help others.” According to the Health Center’s website, the Health Center’s primary responsibilities are to “provide medical care to all students, their dependents and DMBA Managed Care participants who have identified the university doctor as their primary care provider.” The Health Center website states it is “equipped with experienced staff members,
Graphics by Bruno Maynez
who are board-certified physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, medical assistants and full front office staff. A majority of health problems can be dealt with at the Health Center, but a network of specialists can also be reached out to.” Abregano said her primary responsibilities are to manage and oversee the Health Center’s daily operations and the Student Medical Benefits. She also handles business and strategic planning while managing budgets to ensure “goals, visions, patient needs and budgetary constraints are aligned.” Abregano is also responsible for an “awesome group of dedicated, hardworking medical professionals who do what they do because they genuinely care about helping others stay healthy and able to pursue their academic goals.” In 2020, one of the more significant campus emergencies was the emergence of COVID-19, which the Health Center was prepared for by previous year’s surpluses, like a buildup of N-95 masks, said Lena Tyau, the head nurse at the Health Center. She explained, D E C E M B E R 2020
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