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Laura Teegarden
Daily Egyptian

In preparation for its move to the new facility adjacent to the Recreation Center, the Student Health Programs Pharmacy is asking students to refill recurring prescriptions before break.

"We're encouraging student to get their prescriptions during finals week, so they can get their prescriptions before they go home," said Cheryl Schmit, staff pharmacist.

The pharmacy will be open during finals week but will then close during break to make the move to the healthplex. During past winter breaks, the pharmacy has followed the University break schedule and closed only Dec. 24 through Jan. 2.

"We will be available that week before classes start because we will be moved by then," Schmit said.

Geno Thomas, a sophomore studying psychology and pre-med from Chicago, is eager about the move because health services will be more accessible. He lives in University Park and feels the move to the east side of campus will benefit not only him, but also the other students who live in the residence halls.

"No one's going to be here, so I guess they picked a good time to move," Thomas said.

As opposed to the current location on Greek Row, the pharmacy will be located on the first floor near the lobby in the new complex. The 57,000-square-foot healthplex cost approximately $9.5 million and combines all medical facilities associated with Student Health Programs.

Besides a brand new facility, Schmit said the only change for the pharmacy is more available over the counter prescriptions. The pharmacy offers prescription medication at price and over the counter medication with prices comparable to Walgreens and Wal-mart, Schmit said. She said many students buy over the counter medication at the pharmacy because they don't have to pay upfront, and it is put on their bursar bill.