About Us

History of the Health Center

The Nursing Center in the School of Nursing was established in 1986 and was then known as the Center for Health and Wellness. The goal of the Center, when first implemented, was to promote the health of and encourage wellness for students, staff and faculty. During the period of January 2002, through September 2002, the Nursing Center was open approximately 8-10 hours per week, treating 600 persons. In the spring of 2002, the Nursing Center was staffed by two Family Nurse Practitioners and had much assistance from Saint Xavier University Nursing students. From July 2004, through July 2005, the Center saw approximately 2500 patients. In August of 2005, the Center expanded its staff and clinic space. The Health Center was relocated to a modular unit, specifically designed for our Health Center, located in the Northwest corner of the Chicago campus. This temporary building is equipped with a reception area, three examination rooms and a laboratory. The staff also expanded to include the Director, two Family Nurse Practitioners, one Registered Nurse, an Administrative Assistant and an exceptional clerical staff. Dr. James Valek, who is board certified in Family Medicine, serves as the collaborating physician for the Health Center.

Currently our Family Nurse Practitioners and other staff provide care to Saint Xavier University students, faculty, staff, members of the Sisters of Mercy community and area residents including children, adults and seniors. The provided services include, but are not limited to: immunizations, chronic illness management, laboratory services, school physicals and minor illness and injury treatments.

The Saint Xavier University Health Center is a proud member of America College Health Association, National Nursing Centers Consortium and National Network for Nurse Managed Health Centers.

Mission Statement

The Saint Xavier University Health Center is a primary health care facility serving people of the greater community of Saint Xavier University, including students, faculty, and staff of the University and residents of the surrounding communities.

The mission of Saint Xavier University Health Center is to promote and maintain the health status of the people in the university community.

Consistent with the mission of Saint Xavier University and the School of Nursing, its goal is to increase access to appropriate health care services through two strategies:

  1. Provision of preventive services and promotion of healthy lifestyles.
  2. Management of acute illness, minor injury and chronic stabilized health conditions.

In the context of health as a shared responsibility, the major objectives for the Health Center are:

  1. Increase the scope of primary health care services to the students, faculty, staff and residents of the surrounding communities.
  2. Provide opportunities for student service learning, faculty practice and research.
  3. Advocate for community partnerships that address problems related to health care delivery especially at the local level.
  4. Provide individuals, families, groups and communities the opportunities to improve their health.