Hilbert College will host its first Fresh Check Day on Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fresh Check Day is a signature program of the Jordon Porco Foundation. It includes interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support of multiple campus departments and groups, free food, entertainment and prizes and giveaways.

Fresh Check Day aims to create an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health and help to build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available on campus and in their community.

Grace Adams, Hilbert’s interim director of residence life, is leading the planning effort for the event.

She said Fresh Check events at other colleges she has worked for have been big successes, and so she wanted to bring the experience to Hilbert students.

“Mental health is one of the largest concerns among college students across the country and Hilbert is no different,” Adams said in an email to The Scribe. “I got to see firsthand how FCD has impacted students and the amazing positive culture and dialogue it can create around mental health awareness and suicide prevention.”

College staff utilizes students to develop and execute an interactive booth that delivers peer-to-peer mental health and resource information in a fun and engaging way. Booth messages reflect a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. Booth topics include stigma reduction, specific mental health struggles, coping, and life skills.

Adams said the staff is aiming to offer students an outlet to discuss an learn about the important topic of mental health in a setting that is also fun and inviting.

“I hope students can realize they are not alone in their struggles; there are resources on campus and people that care, and this is all for our students and their well-being,” she said.

Please direct all inquiries to the Interim Director of Residence Life and Community Standards, Grace Adams, at gadams@hilbert.edu.