Fisher Students Check In on Mental Health

It’s okay to check in on your mental health. That’s the message St. John Fisher College students took from Fresh Check Day, which brought more than 150 students to LeChase Commons to reflect on their mental health and wellness and to learn more about the campus resources available to them.

Fresh Check Day is a concept created by The Jordan Porco Foundation to raise awareness for mental health on college campuses. At Fisher, LeChase Commons was transformed into an expo-like atmosphere with interactive exhibits featuring food, prizes, and giveaways. A number of student groups, including the Psychology Club, Student Government Association, and Peer Support Team hosted booths, and students also had the opportunity to cuddle up with therapy dogs.

“It was a great day with students bundling up for the fall weather and coming together to talk about mental health,” said Jenna Weintraub, coordinator of wellness education in the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion. “Thanks to all the clubs and departments who hosted booths; Fresh Check Day wouldn’t be the same without them! And all those cute therapy puppies will be back.”

The It’s Okay campaign, sponsored by Fisher’s JED Taskforce, also hosted a booth. Students wrote down messages of encouragement and solidarity in an effort to normalize talking about mental health and asking for help.

The event was organized by the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion, the Peer Support Team, student clubs and organizations, and representatives of The Jordan Porco Foundation.