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What is Fresh Check Day?

Check in with yourself by stopping by Fresh Check Day on Wednesday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on PED Walkway. Connect with campus resources such as the Student Counseling Center, the Center for Health Education & WellnessUniversity Housing, and many others!

Fresh Check Day - checking in with college students logoFresh Check Day is a mental health promotion and suicide prevention event that visits colleges around the nation to encourage and engage students in a dialogue about mental health. It includes interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, free food, and more.

As a signature program of the Jordan Porco Foundation, FCD aims to build a bridge between students and the mental health resources that are available to them on their campus.

“Fresh Check Day is extremely important because it truly helps normalize the conversation surrounding mental health and educates students about all aspects of mental health in a fun and uplifting design,” said Sara Gerken, FCD project manager and assistant hall director of Hess Hall. “Our campus partners and student support throughout this event will build a bridge between students and available resources that are accessible.”

The past hall director for North Carrick, Shain Johnson, had experienced the Fresh Check Day event at his previous institution and found it to be an empowering and energizing experience for all the students, which is how it came to UT for the first time this year.

Targeted to current students on campus, the goal of this event is to have students walk away with techniques and information about self-care, health, and wellness. Further goals include:

  • Increase awareness of mental health resources available to students
  • Reduce stigma and misconceptions around mental health and suicide that often deter individuals from seeking help
  • Empower peers to be gatekeepers by understanding warning signs and knowing what to do if a friend is exhibiting signs of suicide or a mental health concern
  • Increase willingness to ask for help if experiencing emotional distress

Ultimately, Fresh Check Day is part of the greater emphasis UT is working on to improve the overall wellbeing and mental health of all students. By engaging the entire college community on this day, students are reminded that they are not alone and that their mental health is just as important as their physical health or academic standing.

Click here to learn more about what counseling services are available at UT or call 865-974-2196.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text CONNECT to 741741 from anywhere in the USA at any time.

Elizabeth McCarthyElizabeth is a senior from Philadelphia, PA, majoring in public relations with a minor in business management. She has a passion for graphic design, social media and writing, and her favorite thing to do at UT is attending football games with her friends. She plans to move to Nashville after her graduation in May to pursue public relations and marketing.