SUNY Canton Focuses on Student Mental Health During Fresh Check Day, Oct. 28

Canton, NY (10/25/2021) — SUNY Canton is creating a positive approachable atmosphere for students to discuss mental health.

The college will be holding its first "Fresh Check Day" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center Room 212. Fresh Check Day was designed as an uplifting mental health promotion event by the Jordan Porco Foundation. It is free and open to all students.

"It will be a fun, free and interactive experience with games, giveaways and prizes," said Farren C. Lobdell, director of wellness promotions. "Students will get a free mug just for attending and we'll have 10 booths set up to check in on students' mental health and wellbeing."

Each location will feature peer-to peer messaging in a positive, community-focused setting. Students who visit five or more booths can enter a drawing for an Amazon Fire tablet. Other giveaways include free t-shirts and snacks.

Fully online students will also be able to participate in the event by logging in to Roo Life on Oct. 28. Students who complete three activities will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Fresh Check Day was organized by the Wellness Promotions Office and the Counseling Center. It is supported by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the Division of Student Affairs.

SUNY Canton's outreach comes alongside a SUNY-wide expansion of mental health services. SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras recently launched #ReachOutSUNY, a public awareness campaign designed to shatter the stigma associated with mental health struggles and asking for help, while educating students about available services. SUNY's efforts are in response to a nationwide uptick in mental health and wellness needs among students due to the impact of COVID-19.