Program will ‘check in’ on students’ mental health

WINSTED — Northwestern Connecticut Community College will host Fresh Check Day— a concept created by The Jordan Porco Foundation and designed to bring the campus community together to “check-in” on the mental health and wellness of college students. The Jordan Porco Foundation’s mission is to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults.

It provides engaging and uplifting programming emphasizing peer-topeer messaging promoting helpseeking behavior, self-care, and coping skills. Its programs challenge stigma by talking openly about mental health, and educating about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide and other related mental health concerns.

The event is free and has been organized by Campus Assessment, Response and Evaluation Team, Support And Resource Team (SART), Center for Student Development and Department of Student Activities with collaborating Northwestern Connecticut Community College departments, student volunteers, and representatives of The Jordan Porco Foundation.

NCCC’s Fresh Check Day will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 11. Greenwoods Hall Multipurpose Room will be transformed into an expo-like atmosphere to bring together interactive exhibits combined with food, prizes, and giveaways. The booths will feature peer-to peer messaging in a positive, communityfocused setting. Food and refreshments will be provided.

Fresh Check Day aims to create an approachable atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health. It helps to build a bridge between students and the mental health resources and programs that exist on campus, in the community, and on a national level. Using a peer-to-peer messaging model, Fresh Check Day utilizes student groups in addition to college staff to develop and execute interactive booths that deliver mental health and resource information in a fun and engaging way. By engaging the entire college community in this campus-wide movement, students are reminded that they are not alone and that their mental health is valued just as much as their physical health or their academic standing.

For more information about NCCC’s Fresh Check Day, please contact Director of Student Development & Student Services, Dr. Ruth E Gonzalez, LPC, at: 860-738-6315, by email: rgonzalez@nwcc.edu; or visit https://freshcheckday.com/

Keith M. Phaneuf / CTMirror.org Andrea Ferrucci, chairwoman of the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, joined by Sen. Saud Anwar of South Windsor, far left, and Chris Westphal, a patient at a Waterbury nonprofit agency.