Fresh Check Day
Save the Date: March 11, 2020
Fresh Check Day 2019 was a huge success!
On March 6, Vandal Health Education along with campus partners came together from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Commons to celebrate mental wellness. Students identified “elephants in the room” when talking about mental health, added their unique designs to complete the U of I puzzle, crafted pride bracelets and keychains, participated in Zumba, relaxed with therapy dogs, and made toys for animals at the Humane Society. The Counseling & Testing Center also offered mental health screenings for students to check in about their mental health. Over 230 students participated in this year’s event where they made connections, showed support, and learned about various aspects of mental wellness.
Fresh Check Day is a celebratory fair like event that seeks to bring awareness to mental health, connect students to resources, and create a sense of community. The event is free and composed of several interactive booths, music, food, and prizes!
Fresh Check Day is the signature event of the Jordan Porco Foundation (JPF). Fresh Check Day aims to create an approachable atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health. Fresh Check Day helps to build a bridge between students and the mental health resources and programs that exist on campus, in the community, and on a national level. Using a peer-to-peer messaging model, Fresh Check Day utilizes student groups in addition to college/university staff to develop and execute interactive booths that deliver mental health and resource information in a fun and engaging way.
The program’s primary goals are to:
- Increase awareness of mental health resources and services available to students
- Reduce stigma and misconceptions around mental health and suicide that often deter individuals from seeking help
- Empower peers to be gatekeepers by understanding warning signs and knowing what to do if a friend is exhibiting signs of suicide or a mental health concern
- Increase willingness to ask for help if experiencing emotional distress
Vandal Health Education partners with many departments and organizations on campus to bring Fresh Check Day to life. The booths are the heart of the event and this is where the partnerships flourish. The Nine Out of Ten booth focuses on suicide prevention based off the statistic that 1 out of 10 college students contemplates or seriously thinks about suicide. According to this statistic, nine others are in a position to offer help (IF they are aware of the warning signs and resources). Students take a pledge to be one of the nine. There are also booths focused on alcohol safety, creativity and art, physical activity, bystander intervention for sexual assault, stigma reduction, mental health screening & therapy dogs, social support, and LGTBQA support.
Fresh Check Day Partners include: The Counseling & Testing Center, Violence Prevention Program, LGBTQA Office, the Center for Volunteerism & Social Action, Housing, Beta Theta Pi, the Pre-Med Club, and Palouse Paws.
When you arrive at Fresh Check Day, make sure to visit registration to get your passport card (you’ll need it later for food and prizes). Visit and have fun at least 5 booths (one of which must be Nine Out of Ten). Head back to registration to enter to win a flat screen tv and take a short survey. Lastly, make sure to stop and get some food and enjoy the music!