The University’s third annual Fresh Check Day, held March 29, brought together the volunteer efforts of 25 student groups on campus and the collective effort of more than 275 volunteers, including faculty and staff. WSU’s Fresh Check Day is unique among other institutions, as the event is combined with health fair. It is well received by the campus community. This year, some 50 community vendors, 500 students and more than 6oo people participated overall.
Fresh Check Day makes strides toward destigmatizing mental health and making the campus a place where students can thrive.
Based upon survey responses taken after the event by 119 student participants, a vast majority (ranging from 72 percent to 83 percent of respondents) indicated that they were:
- 83 percent feel more prepared to help a friend with mental health concerns or signs of suicide;
- 81 percent are more likely to ask for help with emotional distress;
- 79 percent feel more aware of resources available to them regarding mental health;
- 75 percent are more aware of the warnings of suicide; and
- 72 percent feel more comfortable with talking about mental health.