Emerson College recently celebrated its ninth annual Fresh Check Day mental health fair in The Loft, where students engaged in games, prizes, and educational resources centered on mental health. The event aimed to create a supportive and approachable atmosphere for students to discuss mental health openly.
Fresh Check Day is an initiative sponsored by the Jordan Porco Foundation, which strives to foster dialogue around mental health and reduce the stigma that may prevent individuals from seeking help. This program collaborates with multiple colleges and universities across the U.S. to enhance awareness of mental health resources.
The Jordan Porco Foundation was established in memory of Jordan Porco, who tragically died by suicide during his freshman year of college in 2011. Founders Ernie and Marisa Porco are dedicated to preventing youth suicides by encouraging open discussions about mental health and suicide awareness.
During the fair, students explored ten booths hosted by campus partners, covering topics such as body positivity, suicide awareness, and drug and alcohol safety through interactive activities. “There’s enough booths that you kind of have to learn something, and they’re all different,” said freshman creative writing major Bailey Flaherty. “You’re definitely taking in knowledge from a bunch of sources.”
Upon entering the fair, students received cards to collect stamps from each booth they visited, increasing their chances to enter raffles for prizes like Owala water bottles, sunset lamps, and journals. They could also enjoy “Fresh Chex” and popcorn mixes, along with other free treats available at the booths.
Laura Owen, associate director of wellness and health promotion at Emerson and one of the event’s organizers, expressed hope that the fair would provide joy and supportive vibes. She noted the event’s timing, strategically placed around mid-October, which coincides with the pressures of the upcoming election and midterm exams. “It’s a time we can check in with ourselves—kind of remind students and ourselves, ‘What do I need right now?’” Owen explained.
Owen emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, especially for new students adjusting to college life. “We all deal with stress, ups and downs, and adjustments to a new environment,” she said. “When you enter our Emerson community, we are all in it together.”
Many students shared that anxiety and depression have significantly affected their lives, underscoring the need for mental health events. Freshman Niamh Williams commented, “I feel like everyone experiences that, so it should be talked about more.” She appreciated the event’s fun and accessible nature, making mental health discussions feel less intimidating.
Freshman journalism major Bella Nordman echoed similar sentiments, stating that the fair helped her learn new strategies for managing her mental health while reminding her of available campus resources. “Events like that are fun, and you can get prizes and free stuff, but you also are learning something,” she remarked.
Looking ahead to next year’s tenth anniversary, Owen aims to keep the mental health fair accessible, meaningful, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of Emerson’s student population. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all,” she noted. “We’re trying to design it so it meets the needs of our different populations on campus and people will feel accepted and included.”
As students approach midterm season, Owen hopes that the fair has equipped them with the knowledge to assess their mental health and consider their support systems. “You can’t do all the things you want to do if your mental health is not in a good place,” she said. “We all are in it to support each other—to get through those challenging times and support each other in the good times.”
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