NORFOLK, Neb. – On a calm, sunny day in the green space next to the tennis courts on the Northeast Community College campus, students ambled by a series of outdoor booths and tents to learn about a topic that is difficult to talk about.
Northeast hosted what’s known as a Fresh Check Day through the Jordan Porco Foundation on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The program encouraged mental health professionals and other caring adults to talk openly about mental health, as well as educating students about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide.
A total of 275 students attended the event, which included interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support of multiple campus departments and groups, free food and giveaways, including T-shirts.
Alexis Huisman, a mental health counselor with Northeast Student Health and Counseling, said one of the booths was called “Nine Out of Ten.”
“Nine out of 10 college students contemplate or at least consider suicide,” Huisman said.
At that booth, the students pledged to be a person who will check on his or her friends and ask them how they are doing. Students also were asked to fill out cards and say what they would say to a friend who is struggling.
Everyone working at that booth was a licensed therapist, so they know how to foster those conversations, Huisman said.
Another booth was called “Check In & Chill Out.” Students received an initial assessment to see how they were feeling and their moods, then they were invited to fingerpaint, build sandcastles, play with fidget spinners or take a break in lounge chairs. There also were therapy dogs.
“All of our booths are mental health focused, with a lot of education pieces behind it,” Huisman said.
Huisman said the day is useful because it helps to put mental health in a different light, making it more hands-on, and allowing students and others to see how they can play a part in others’ lives.
Another benefit on Tuesday was Mother Nature. The sunshine with highs in the 60s made it fun to be outside. And it provided a reminder that physical activity is a mood booster for everyone, Huisman said.
Another of the booths was the “In It for Life.” In that booth, students wrote down their reasons for staying alive. If students were struggling, they are told about resources and how to get help.
The Jordon Porco Foundation was created to remember Jordon, who was a college student who died by suicide.
Gina Krysl, director of Student Care Outreach, helped to promote the event, which had a steady stream of students all Tuesday afternoon.
“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,” Krysl said.
Fresh Check Day 1
Students were able to check out various booths during Fresh Check Day at Northeast Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 1. (Northeast Community College)