In support of mental health wellness and suicide prevention, Penn State Shenango hosted the second annual Fresh Check Day for students on Nov. 17. The event featured seven interactive booths.
Sharon, Pa. — In support of mental health wellness and suicide prevention, Penn State Shenango hosted the second annual Fresh Check Day for students on Nov. 17.
The interactive event includes engaging booths, free food, giveaways, and prizes in an uplifting atmosphere “where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health,” according to the program’s site. The intention is to build bridges between students and resources available at Penn State Shenango, in the local community, and nationally.
In support of mental health wellness and suicide prevention, Penn State Shenango hosted the second annual Fresh Check Day for students on Nov. 17. The event was comprised of seven interactive booths.
At the "it takes a village" booth, students worked on no-sew blankets to donate to a local charity while learning about social connectedness.
Students discovered the responsibilities and challenges in the lives of both civilians and military personnel, represented by ping pong balls at the "at ease" booth. As students discover, it is not ease to all the responsibilities "covered."
The "boost" booth encouraged students to try hula hooping, using kettle bells, and yoga to demonstrate the connection between physical and mental wellness.
Empowering students to spot concerns and having tools to help a friend in need was integrated into a golf putting game at the "9 out of 10" booth to help spotlight the importance of suicide awareness.
Students painted encouragement for their peers to embrace their unique selves and to focus on positive qualities at the "YOUnique" booth. The rocks are hidden around campus for students to find.
At the "be yourself" booth, students made bracelets with a positive or empowering word on it.
Students took a few minutes to explore a variety of artistic media, like crayons, finger paints, and clays, at the "paint your art out" booth.
Shenango’s Fresh Check Day featured seven booths:
- 9 out of 10: Research suggests that one out of 10 college students contemplates suicide, leaving nine who, given the resources, have the opportunity to reach out and help that one friend who may be struggling.
- Boost: Physical activity contributes to overall physical and mental wellness.
- It takes a village: Social connectedness is a protective factor against suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- At ease: Educates students about some of the unique challenges that their service member peers face.
- Paint your art out: Art and creative expression are promoted at this booth as a great coping strategy for maintaining positive mental health.
- YOUnique: Promotion of positive body image and raising awareness about disordered eating in college students.
- Be yourself: Provides information on the risk and protective factors for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community through promoting acceptance of self and others.
