Press Releases, Student Life

NCC Recognized at White House Event

First Lady Michelle Obama joins representatives from Healthy Campus Challenge winning schools, including NCC representatives, for a group photo during the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Healthy Campus Challenger Winner Day in the East Room of the White House, Jan 13, 2017. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson) Note disclaimer below.

First Lady Michelle Obama joins representatives from Healthy Campus Challenge winning schools, including NCC representatives, for a group photo during the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Healthy Campus Challenger Winner Day in the East Room of the White House, Jan 13, 2017. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson) Photo used with special permission. Note full disclaimer below.

Nash Community College Student Wellness Center employees attended a celebration reception at the White House Friday, January 13 with First Lady Michelle Obama in recognition of the college’s participation in the 2016 White House Healthy Campus Challenge. NCC was among 302 colleges, universities, and community colleges to participate.

The goal of the Challenge was to reach uninsured individuals on college campuses and in the surrounding communities by engaging students, faculty and staff, campus administration, alumni, local community leaders, and elected officials. Participating campuses were asked to undertake a number of outreach actions reflecting best practices for promoting affordable health care options.

The White House, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Education highlighted college and university campuses, and in particular community college campuses, who participated in the Healthy Campus Challenge. Nash Community College was honored as a participating campus for spreading the word about open enrollment and opportunities to find affordable, quality coverage in the Marketplace to people on the campus and in the broader community.

Some of the actions NCC took that earned the campus the White House Healthy Campus distinction include classroom presentations, Open Enrollment messaging to online and on-campus students with enrollment assistance provided, direct enrollment, campus-wide events, outreach efforts to NCC clubs and among community partners, and collaboration efforts for enrollment services to local faith-based organizations.

The White House Healthy Campus Challenge is a joint effort between the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Education. “Participating in the White House Healthy Campus Challenge has provided Nash Community College the opportunity to be a stronger advocate for our students and our community. With innovative leadership, programs, and services the campus embodies a culture of Blue Love,” NCC Director of Student Wellness Marbeth Holmes said.

Through the NCC Student Wellness Center with clinical counseling, NCC connects students with qualified professionals and community resources who can offer support. The Center’s scope of services includes direct clinical practice through psycho-education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed therapies. The Student Wellness Center provides screening and assessment, crisis intervention, personal counseling, support groups, referral services for chronic care and more. Holmes is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed clinical addictions specialist. She provides specialized clinical services to populations in need of therapeutic support groups such as veterans, single mothers, survivors of trauma and domestic violence, drug abusers and others. Additionally, the Center offers Single Stop services to connect students with resources that include but are not limited to Medicaid, Affordable Healthcare, SNAP, financial counseling, free tax preparation by IRS certified tax preparers, and legal services with a licensed attorney on site beginning this semester. College resources that also provide assistance to students include: the Student Government Association, MALE mentoring program, the Library, a SGA Food Pantry, and Success Closet with professional attire for students needing clothing for job interviews.

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This photograph is provided by THE WHITE HOUSE as a courtesy and may be printed by the subject(s) in the photograph for personal use only. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not otherwise be reproduced, disseminated or broadcast, without the written permission of the White House Photo Office. This photograph may not be used in any commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.