Campuses across the U.S. recently participated in Fresh Check Day, a national initiative providing mental health promotion and suicide prevention events on campus through the Jordan Porco Foundation. At the University of Miami (FL), the collaborative Healthy ‘Cane Network sponsored events such as interactive student organization booths where participants could practice journal prompts for emotional wellness, write body-positive messages about themselves, share notes of encouragement with LGBTQ+ youth in the community, gather treats and giveaways, and more.
Anthony Musto, director of fitness programs for the Department of Wellness and Recreation and chair of Healthy ’Cane Network, told News@TheU that the collaborative network fosters an environment that contributes “to happiness, productivity, academic achievement, and overall life-satisfaction.” The campus Counseling Center, Housing and Residential Life, The Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education, Student Health Service, and the Department of Wellness and Recreation all worked on Fresh Check Day events.
“It's very difficult to get a message across virtually,” Musto said, noting that this was the first Fresh Check Day since 2019. “Students having to come out to be here, in front of another person physically, makes it very engaging for them. I think our message comes across much clearer through these events.”
Read more about the University of Miami’s events here. And learn about Fresh Check Day for future planning here.
