Mavericks Making a Difference: Colleen Powers, Director of Health and Wellness, Provides Needed Support During Coronavirus

Colleen Powers, Mercy College’s director of health and wellness programs, has been working around-the-clock since the beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in New York to safeguard our students and protect the greater Mercy Community. “In the beginning of the crisis, I functioned as Mercy’s ‘Department of Health.’ When the initial positive test results were reported, I managed contact investigations, notifying 420 students of their potential exposure and educating them on next steps,” Powers explained.

Under normal conditions, Powers is the main health care provider at Mercy’s student health office on the Dobbs Ferry Campus. A family nurse practitioner, Powers is the only full-time employee at the health office, managing a part-time staff that consists of five Mercy student workers enrolled in the nursing education and nursing administration graduate programs. Already licensed nurses, the students receive credit towards their graduate school tuition by working one eight-hour shift per week. Currently, her team members are working ceaselessly across New York hospitals and clinics to treat COVID-19 patients. Powers cheers them on and gives them guidance to stay safe. “I tell them to take care of themselves and keep their immune systems at their peak,” she said.

Since the beginning of the stay-at-home mandate issued by New York Governor Cuomo, Powers has been adjusting to the new reality of having to treat Mercy students from afar. Staunchly dedicated to providing high-quality care, no matter the situation, Powers continues to explore creative ways to engage students and ensure their well-being. She has made care packages for the few students staying in Mercy residence halls, developed a tele-medicine system, and plans on exploring digital communications options. “I’ll adapt and figure out how I continue to be most helpful to students in my role,” Powers said.

Powers encourages the Mercy community to visit the College’s COVID-19 website for the latest developments and the health office website for health-related matters. Also, if any student would like to schedule a video or telephone consultation, please contact the Health Office at 914-674-7255 or email healthoffice@mercy.edu to schedule an appointment.

Mercy is a strong community and by working together we will make our community even stronger. If you are a Maverick making a difference, or you know of someone, let us know at PR@mercy.edu

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