The University will hold its fourth annual ‘Fresh Check Day’ to promote mental health, wellness, and prevention of student suicide across campus on Thursday, March 28.
The event, to be held 1-4 p.m. in Ely Student Center, is open to students and will host various booths for mental health resources, free food, entertainment, prizes, and giveaways. Following the afternoon session, evening activities will commence at ‘Fresh Check After Dark’ from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The event will host a Health Fair, where students will be able to interact with outside vendors including local hospitals, mental health/wellness centers, rehabilitation agencies, and foundations. Food vendors, such as Mama Cakes and make-your-own Chex Mix, will also be present. Vendor booths will provide information, additional prizes, and free food. Fresh Check Day is sponsored by the University’s Counseling Center, Student Activities, Residential Life, and Health Services.
The event will additionally host martial arts board breaking, pet therapy, and raffles for prizes such as Westfield State ‘gear,’ themed baskets, and more. A performance from the Westfield State Competitive Dance Team will also be featured.
Fresh Check Day is the signature program of the Jordan Porco Foundation, a national charity dedicated to inspiring hope, preventing suicide, and promoting mental health in teenagers and college-age students. The Foundation supports efforts to provide engaging and uplifting programs emphasizing peer-to-peer interactions promoting help-seeking behavior, self-care, and overall coping skills.
In addition, the Foundation seeks to help destigmatize open discussions of mental health and provides education about the risk factors connected to suicide and other mental health issues. Fresh Check Day booths and activities are open to students only. The Health Fair is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Julia Nedry at 413-572-5790.