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Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD A new addition to the campus of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will have meaning not only for the students, but also for the general public. STCC recently celebrated the grand opening of a new group of classroom facilities for some of its health-related degree programs. The college has spent $5 million to provide new facilities for its Physical Therapist Assistant Program, the Rehabilitation Clinic, Massage Therapy Program and its Occupational Therapist Assistant Program in the former cafeteria area in Building 20, What the general public may not know is that there are services provided by these programs for non-students. Meg Wobel-Valenski, a professor in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, explained that people who need to re-learn mobility skills, such as walking, due to an illness or accident, are referred to the program by area therapists. In a room full of equipment ranging from large inflated balls on the floors to exercise devices, the students, under the supervision of their instructors, help people recover strength and the ability to move. There is no cost for the service, although she said the program does encourage donations. She said many of their patients may not have health insurance or their insurance has been capped. For more information call 755-4844. Across the hall, the massage therapy program has a suite of rooms. Bernadette Dellabitta Nicholson, the department chair, explained that the STCC program is the only one in the state. The largest room is a combination classroom and massage clinic. It has both massage beds and chairs. A system of curtains can provide privacy when needed. There is also a private treatment room. Dellabitta Nicholson called the new facility "wonderful." "It's more like a real clinic," she said. The massage program offers massages to the public at the rate of $20 for a one hour session on Tuesdays at 1:15 and 2:24 p.m. and Wednesdays at 4:30 and 6 p.m. For more information, call 755-4885. *** These are not the only services the College offers to the public. The STCC Dental Hygiene Program offers appointment times for a wide range of services from full-mouth radiographs to teeth whitening and cleaning. Fees range from $10 to $75 depending upon the service. That program is located in Building 20 and appointments can be made by calling 755-4900. The College's Cosmetology Client Lab is also open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays through Dec. 16. It offers women and men's haircutting, braiding and manicures. Call 755-4837 for appointment and fee information. | ||||||
