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TSU Offers Free, 24/7 Comprehensive Telehealth Services to Students

January 21, 2025 Emmanuel Freeman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is making comprehensive telehealth services available to all students at no cost and without the hassle of traditional insurance. Imagine having a wellness resource at your fingertips: from the comfort of their dorm rooms, students can simply download an app and access a wide range of medical and mental health services from licensed professionals nationwide.

This initiative is the result of a groundbreaking partnership with TimelyCare, a leader in virtual health and well-being services. Thanks to this collaboration, students will no longer have to navigate complex insurance regulations or endure lengthy waits for appointments.

Getting started with TimelyCare is easy for TSU students. They can simply download the TimelyCare app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or visit timelycare.com. By logging in with their TSU credentials, students can schedule appointments, seek immediate care, and explore numerous health and wellness resources directly from their devices.

“This platform is a game-changer for our students,” says Chrishonda O’Quinn, President of the Student Government Association. “Our goal is to encourage students to reach their potential both academically and in their extracurricular pursuits, but that can only happen if they are mentally and physically well. TimelyCare addresses the barriers many of us face regarding mental health resources. This service provides the support students need at their fingertips.”

Tamya Franklin, a junior biology major from Memphis, Tennessee, echoes this sentiment: “I think TimelyCare is an amazing service. TSU really pouring into its students with this resource is phenomenal, especially in our communities where we face adversity daily. Mental health isn’t often talked about, but it’s so important because many health issues stem from it.”

With this partnership, students will benefit from:

– 24/7 On-Demand Care: Immediate support available at any time, recognizing that health concerns often arise outside regular business hours.

– Diverse Provider Options: Access to mental health professionals who reflect the student body’s diversity, with many offerings multilingual support.

– Enhanced Peace of Mind: Platform prioritizes the protection of students’ personal health information.

Tyler Vazquez

University officials say the initiative aims to bridge the gap in healthcare access, reducing wait times and providing a diverse network of providers ready to assist students in navigating their health journey.

“TimelyCare is fundamentally transforming how students engage with their health,” says Dr. Bridgett Golman, Vice President for Student Affairs at TSU. “With the increasing demand for mental health resources, this partnership provides immediate support, helping to reduce stigma and prioritize student well-being.”

Tyler Vazquez, Student Trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, adds, “This invaluable resource empowers students to thrive, ensuring we have access to the care we need without barriers. It demonstrates TSU’s commitment to our health and success.”

Recent studies indicate that 69 percent of undergraduate students who drop out cite emotional stress as a significant factor in their decision. In this context, TimelyCare serves as an essential resource, with 75 percent of users reporting mental health improvements after using the service, including 100 percent among those at potential suicide risk.

Luke Hejl, CEO and Co-founder of TimelyCare, states, “By partnering with TSU, we’re dedicated to fostering student success through accessible, team-based care. This collaborative approach not only supports students where they are but also enhances their ability to reach academic and personal goals.”

Dr. Dorsha N. James, Director of Student Health Services at TSU, says, “With the addition of TimelyCare, students now have more healthcare options. I’m excited that alongside on-campus medical services, students can access nationwide providers 24/7. These counseling and medical services are offered at no cost, relieving financial burdens while promoting health management.”

With the launch of TimelyCare at TSU, students are now empowered to take charge of their mental and physical health, supporting their academic success and overall well-being.

For more information about the TimelyCare partnership and the services available to TSU students, visit TSU TimelyCare.

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TSU expert cautions parents to ‘be on the watch’ with new spike in RSV cases

November 29, 2022 Emmanuel Freeman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is on the rise in Tennessee, with spike in cases and hospitalization, especially among infants and children. Experts caution parents to be more proactive in helping to keep their children stay symptom free.

Dr. Wendelyn Inman, an epidemiologist and public health expert, says while adults may only show signs of the common cold, RSV among children – especially those under a year old – shows more severe symptoms because their lungs are more susceptible to the inflammatory effects of the virus.

“In some cases, children showing these symptoms need supplemental oxygen and hospitalization because of severe respiratory infections,” says Inman, professor and director of the public health program in the College of Health Sciences. She warns parents “to be on the watch.”

“If you have an infant, wash your hands frequently and keep sick friends and family members away to prevent the spread of RSV,” she says, adding, “Watch your child. If they show any symptoms, take them to the pediatrician as soon as possible.”

Inman also cautions parents to avoid close contacts, cover coughs or sneezes, and clean surfaces (doorknobs, car seats, mobile devices) frequently.

This summer, as in Tennessee, there was an increase in RSV cases in many areas of the country with the expectation it would accelerate in the fall. The trend has played out as expected, and even more adults in Tennessee are coming down with RSV, according to local news reports.

At TSU, officials say over the past 5-6 weeks, there has been “a drastic” uptick in the number of sick visits to the Student Health Services Clinic for upper respiratory symptoms, such as cough, congestion, running nose, and others.

“Luckily for these otherwise healthy individuals, the virus will only usually cause mild, cold-like symptoms,” says Dr. Dorsha N. James, interim medical director of student health. “In light of our decreasing COVID cases, I would make the assumption that we are seeing some cases as a result of RSV.”

On COVID-19 and the flu, two of the three viruses with RSV that are going around, the officials warn individuals to get immunized as the surest way to avoid serious illness or hospitalization. Flu activity reportedly increases in October and peaks between December and February.

“Get your flu shots and get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as possible if you already haven’t,” Inman cautions. “We are seeing that people who are immunized against COVID and the flu are still not in the majority of the cases that are severe and dying.”

For more information on how to protect against RSV, COVID or the flu, visit the Tennessee Department of Health at www.tn.gov/health.html.

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TSU expert warns of triple threat from flu, COVID, RSV

November 10, 2022 Emmanuel Freeman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The U.S. is facing a potential triple threat of flu, COVID-19, and RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and a Tennessee State University infectious disease expert is calling on individuals to get immunized, as the surest way to avoid serious illness or long-term hospitalization.

Dr. Wendelyn Inman, professor and director of the public health program in the College of Health Sciences, warns that the flu, COVID-19 and RSV are highly contagious respiratory infections caused by different viruses, with flu activity increasing in October and peaking between December and February.

“Get your flu shots and get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as possible if you already haven’t,” she cautions. “We are seeing that people who are immunized against COVID and the flu are still not in the majority of the cases that are severe and dying.”

Inman says before the pandemic, the United States averaged between 60,000 and 85,000 people dying every year from the flu. But with isolation techniques employed during the pandemic – masking, washing hands, social distancing – those numbers plummeted and almost disappeared.

“We had so few flu-related deaths. Now that we are back together, we have to remember those rates can go back up because we have people who do not get immunized for the flu, and that we are in closer contact,” says Inman, previously the chief of epidemiology for the State of Tennessee.

Citing data from the Centers for Disease Control, Inman says the flu is not a grave concern in Tennessee, with the state in the ‘minimal’ category when it comes to flu levels being reported nationwide.

“Tennessee is not at the bottom, but we could do better,” she says.

At TSU, officials say precaution are in place to help minimized the potential for flu and COVID-19 spread.

Dr. Dorsha N. James, interim medical director of Student Health Services, says there is a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases on campus – from about 7 percent a month ago to 0.1 percent now. She however, reports a slight uptick in people with upper respiratory infection, or flu symptoms. She encourages students to get their flu shots or get vaccinated for COVID-19.

“We are doing well on the COVID front but we are not doing well washing our hands,” James says. “We have been trying to tell students to wash their hands multiple times a day or use the hand sanitizing stations across campus. And if they have the cold, to make sure they do not cough in the air, and stay a good distance from people when they are talking to them.”

TSU offers COVID-19 vaccines on campus in collaboration with Meharry Medical College.

Kenneth A. Rolle II, president of Student Government Association, says TSU’s proactive effort is commendable. “The university has already laid out a strategic plan for if and when the viruses (COVID, flu) make their way to campus,” says Rolle. “Although we have not seen any threats from them on campus, we are most definitely ready to expect the unexpected.”

Dr. Curtis Johnson, associate vice president and chief of staff, says most of the prevention measures from the pandemic are still in place.

“First and foremost, we want the university to remain safe and encourage and/or adopt practices protecting the health of faculty, staff, students, visitors or others,” Johnson says.

According to the CDC, from October 1, 2021, to April 23, 2022, the United States has seen an estimated 3,200- 9,400 flu deaths reported in the preliminary flu season.