Fresh Check Day, promoting student mental health, attracts nearly 100

Students “Paint their Art Out.” (photos by Elizabeth Murray ’13)

Whether students got a Boost from the hula hoops, “Paws”ed for some self-care with Miller the therapy dog (bottom photo) or Painted Their Art Out (photo at right), they all seemed to have a blast at this year’s Fresh Check Day. With close to 100 students participating, the event featured 12 booths run by student clubs/organizations and departments across campus. Fresh Check Day was Tuesday, February 21 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Alliot’s first floor lobby.

Fresh Check Day is the signature program of the Jordan Porco Foundation and Saint Michael’s College has been running this event since 2016. Jordan Porco was a member of the Class of 2014 who died by suicide in February 2011. Jordan’s family started the Jordan Porco Foundation shortly thereafter with the goal to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults (taken from the JPF website).

Booths offered this year included: Suicide Prevention presentations titled “9 out of 10,” and “In It For Life.’ Mental Health presentations or activities were: “Younique (Trash Your Insecurities),” “Know Your Limit,” “Mood Matters,” “Be Well Campus Resource,” “Positive Coping and Life Skills,” “Paint Your Art Out,” “Boost,” “Paws for Self-Care” (therapy dog Miller, seen in photo); Presentations focused on High Risk Populations and Stigma Reduction were: “Elephant in the Room,” “Be Yourself,” and “At Ease.”

The sign tells the story of Fresh Check Day in Alliot as students engage with materials.

Students were also able to check out the Zen Zone and take a self-care or harm reduction kit, register for prizes, grab a slice of pizza and visit the candy buffet. Said organizer Bridgette Akins, wellness coordinator for Bergeron Wellness Center: “The collaboration and creativity of these individuals made this a truly remarkable event. A huge thank you to Bergeron Wellness, Active Minds, Megg Dulude, Public Safety, Hope Happens Here, Diversity, Empowerment and Community (DEC), Common Ground, Center for Women and Gender, Res Life, Student Veterans of America and Purposeful Learning. Another huge thank you to Facilities and the individuals that helped with the set up and breakdown of the event.”

“The energy and engagement were contagious and a welcome sight to see,” Akins said. “Knowing that students are having fun while also being engaged in their overall wellness all while connecting with the Saint Michael’s community is amazing.”

Miller the therapy dog was a predictable hit.