Bowling Green Welcomes New Health Center

Bowling Green Welcomes New Health Center

In the heart of Bowling Green, excitement filled the air as the newly renovated Community Health Sciences Complex at Western Kentucky University (WKU) officially opened its doors. The occasion was celebrated on Friday with a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by about 100 people, all eager to see the transformation of what was once a single-function facility.

From Nursing to a Hub of Collaboration

Tania B. Basta, the dean of WKU’s College of Health and Human Services, was excited to highlight the collaborative opportunities this newly revamped space provides. The complex, which previously only housed the Associate of Science in Nursing program, has now taken on a whole new life. It now brings together six applied research centers under one roof, creating an environment ripe for interdisciplinary research and innovation.

The comprehensive renovation, costing under $1 million, has allowed WKU to consolidate several research centers that were either previously scattered or lacked a dedicated space. These centers include the Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, the Center of Applied Science in Health and Aging, and the Center for Environmental and Workplace Health. Other vital components of the complex are the Institute for Rural Health, the WKU CPR Training Center, and the EMPOWER Lab, focused on enhancing motherhood and pregnancy outcomes through exercise research.

A Vision for the Future

Basta shared that the consolidation is not just a matter of convenience; it’s about driving increased research productivity. As WKU aims to achieve the prestigious designation of a Carnegie-classified “R2” institution, these upgraded facilities will be essential in supporting PhD students and enhancing the overall academic experience. WKU President Timothy Caboni echoed this sentiment, stating that these improvements would significantly bolster student recruitment and faculty retention.

Accessibility for All

One of the great features of the new complex is its accessibility. According to Basta, the availability of parking makes it much easier for students, faculty, and visitors to reach the facility compared to the main campus. Additionally, the complex is well-served by city and campus bus lines, making it a convenient destination for everyone.

Expanded Lifeskills Center Services

WKU has also seen significant financial support for its Lifeskills Center, having received $5.8 million in external funding for the fiscal year 2024. This center previously operated a Child Welfare Analytics Collaborative and Training Resource Center in a different location, but has now relocated to the complex along with a brand new Integrated Family Trauma Treatment Clinic.

Austin Griffith, the clinic’s director, explained that the clinic serves children and families facing various clinical needs through a referral process. Notably, it incorporates student interns and graduate students as research assistants, offering a unique opportunity for those interested in working in this vital field. “It is a lifeline for families who have endured the painful cycles of trauma,” said Lesa Dennis, commissioner of Kentucky’s Department for Community Based Services.

A Beacon of Hope

For families navigating the challenges of trauma, the Lifeskills Center is expected to be a beacon of hope. It aims to provide evidence-based trauma treatment for both children and parents, helping them heal and thrive, according to Dennis. The funding from the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services ensures that the clinic can deliver high-quality, evidence-based services, allowing therapists to focus on what really matters: giving families the support they need.

Embracing a Healthier Future

As Bowling Green and WKU embark on this new chapter in health education and services, the community can look forward to a healthier future, bolstered by innovative research and collaboration. The opening of the Community Health Sciences Complex invites not only WKU students and faculty but the wider community to share in the mission of improving health and well-being through education and compassionate care. Here’s to new beginnings in Bowling Green!