“Each year we offer several interactive booths and tables where students and staff can gain information regarding mental health awareness and suicide prevention for college students, including signs to recognize, and how to get help for yourself or someone else,” said LADC Counselor Mary Pellitteri. “Along with information, we will have interactive games and activities with the goal of offering educational information in a fun, interactive atmosphere.”

The relaxed and informative event features free food, entertainment, raffle prizes, giveaways, expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging and support of multiple campus departments and groups. The rain location of the event is Student Center 116-120 and the Piazza.

Fresh Check Day is the signature program of the Jordan Porco Foundation and engages in four areas of the foundation's best practice standards — promoting social connectedness, developing life skills, increasing help-seeking behaviors and potentially identifying students at risk. 

"Students, staff and faculty should attend Fresh Check Day to learn about their own mental health, how to assist others and mental health resources available," said Pellitteri. "Hopefully by bringing awareness regarding mental health and suicide prevention, this will help in building a resilient and overall healthier Bobcat Nation. The event consists of peer to peer messaging, which helps put students at ease. The more comfortable and knowledgable we all are in engaging in conversations regarding mental health, the more comfortable others will feel in seeking help."

Quinnipiac’s partnership with Hartford HealthCare offers a variety of free clinical services and mental health support to undergraduate and graduate students, including 24/7 access to a licensed mental health provider. Students looking for mental health resources can visit the counseling services page.