Whether it be for a flu shot, a checkup or a sprained ankle, WKU’s Health Services Center is looking to become the first choice in non-emergency medical care for both WKU faculty and students.

Since Health Services moved into its new facility in 2008, the center has served almost double the number of patients — growing from 11,647 patients served in 2007 to nearly 21,000 in 2011— according to a report given at January’s Board of Regents meeting.

Health Services administered more than 1,500 flu shots last year. From the end of December 2009 to the end of summer 2010 more than 1,700 H1N1 vaccines were given to patients.

President Gary Ransdell said the program has come a long way and will continue to grow.

“I’ve watched our Health Services program go from only serving a few students and not having a business model at all to now serving thousands of students and faculty and staff and having a strong business model,” Ransdell said.

The revenue streams collected from insurance and money made from use of the facility will allow it continue to grow and expand, he said.

Ann Mead, vice president for Finance and Administration, said the growth of Health Services gives it room to offer more services in the future.

“You don’t just have to provide basic primary care, there is the ability to provide additional services,” Mead said. “They try to be able to see what else does the campus need, and they try to accommodate.”

Ransdell said he believes that Health Services caters an essential need at WKU — a healthy campus.

“I’m looking for them to lead the way in creating a healthy campus environment,” he said.

A healthy faculty and staff in turn lowers insurance premiums for employees, he said.

“It operates like a true health center,” Ransdell said. “I would like for it to be the first destination of choice for faculty and staff for day-to-day routine health care needs.”