Harper College will host its first Fresh Check Day, giving the campus community an opportunity to discuss students’ mental health in a safe environment.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, in the Building D rotunda on the college’s main campus, 1200 West Algonquin Road in Palatine.
The concept of the Fresh Check Day was created by the Jordan Porco Foundation, a suicide prevention and mental health awareness initiative focused on young adults. Representatives from the foundation assisted student volunteers, several campus departments, the college’s Student Government Association and Harper Wellness and Counseling Services with organizing the event.
“Mental health has notoriously been a stigmatized topic and one where people hold many misconceptions,” said Beth Ripperger, employee and student wellness manager. “I think the main point is to encourage students to reach out and to know that asking for help is an important first step.”
The expo-like event will feature multiple interactive exhibits and booths, as well as food, prizes and giveaways. Students will have opportunities to make bracelets, participate in games and educate themselves about suicide prevention.
For more information, visit freshcheckday.com/harper.
