UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 7, Page 3
October 13, 1994
Promoting health; Wellspring: An active force on campus

     Wellspring has a new look and logo and is becoming an
increasingly active force on campus in promoting healthy living in a
positive, informative way, according to coordinator Joyce Walter.
     Created by University Publications, the stylized, action figure
logo expresses the goal of Wellspring in the '90s-a holistic approach
to wellness of the body, mind and spirit, Walter said.
     Wellspring, sponsored by Student Health Services, began in 1978
and is now a comprehensive health education program involved in such
areas as sexuality, alcohol and drugs, fitness and nutrition, stress
management and massage, eating disorders and smoking.
     "We try to make our programs interactive and entertaining as well
as informative," Walter said.
     The program has grown to meet student health concerns and is
carried out by student volunteer peer educators.
     "In the past," Walter said, "peer educators were given
specialized training in specific areas, but now we train them as
generalists who are knowledgeable in all areas relating to wellness.
     "We have found that students interact well with other students
during Wellspring sessions, and other schools are interested in
learning about our volunteer program," Walter said.
     There are currently 13 volunteer peer educators, five men and
eight women, who are sophomores, juniors and seniors. Volunteers are
trained for a full weekend and then have ongoing training at weekly
meetings. On request, peer educators present programs in residence
halls, at fraternities and sororities, in classes and for commuter
groups. An average of 1,200 to 1,500 students are reached by
Wellspring programs each month during the academic year.
     Walter described the programs as practical, fundamental
information. For example, in the area of sexuality education,
contraceptive devices are shown and explained. HIV and AIDS are
discussed, including the fact that HIV testing and counseling are
available free to students, Walter said.
     Wellspring also presents programs targeted to resident
assistants, so that they know what programs are available and can
request them.
     In addition, videos and pamphlets on health issues are available
to students.
     Individual help sessions are another service of Wellspring, and
students are welcome to present their concerns. When appropriate,
students are given referrals to those who can offer professional help,
such as the University's counseling center, Walter said.
     "Our message is one of moderation in health-related areas, and we
are here to help and encourage students to achieve healthy life
styles," Walter said.
     Wellspring, which is located at 209 Laurel Hall, is open Monday-
Friday,  from 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, except
for holidays. For further information, call 831-8992.
                                                   -Sue Swyers Moncure