This month, we’re shining a light on the dedicated team behind Health & Wellness, a department that supports the well-being of our campus community.
Heather Lukas, a former bedside nurse at St. Vincent’s for 20 years, never imagined working in higher education. But when COVID-19 hit, she stepped in to help QCC navigate the complexities of the pandemic response. From intake forms to testing protocols, Heather and her team built a system from the ground up.
“At my core, it’s always been about compassion, care, and community,” Heather said. “I still help students when they’re sick. I love this work.”
Health & Wellness stays busy with maintaining immunization records for full-time students under the age of 30, international students, and those on healthcare program waitlists. They also manage the Calm app subscription, which is free for QCC staff and students, promoting mindfulness and stress relief.
Working with other areas of the college, Health & Wellness provides health consultations for the Children’s School, ensuring policies and plans for medical issues are in place. The department also works with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to support students with medical needs such as surgeries, epilepsy, and service animals.
Building community is important to the Health & Wellness department, which has led to numerous programming activities such as a wellness educational series, Narcan trainings, and involvement in external events such as the Worcester Cares About Recovery Walk.
Location: B53A
Number of employees: One full-time and three part-time employees
Basic functions and services offered: Maintain student immunization records, assist with medical needs, process illness intake forms, and offer programming to improve physical and mental health.
Mission of the department: The Health and Wellness Team at QCC is here to help with your health needs and well-being. At QCC, we warmly welcome, accept, and value, all people, for their individual dignity and worth. We understand the QCC community reaches far beyond its physical campuses.
What is the best way for students, faculty, and staff to contact the department? Email healthandwellness@qcc.mass.edu.