SIU hosts Fresh Check Day to support students’ mental health.

September 19, 2022

SIU hosts Fresh Check Day to support students’ mental health.

By Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, IL — Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting a Fresh Check Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22. And to ensure mental health and access to important resources.

The free event is organized by Student Health Services in collaboration with departments and units across campus, student volunteers and representatives from the Jordan Porco Foundation, which originated the idea. The Morris Library lawn will be transformed into a fun expo with interactive exhibits and booths, snow cones and other giveaways, prizes and giveaways. There will be peer-to-peer discussions and information about resources, all presented in a positive, community-oriented atmosphere.

SIU held its first Fresh Check Day in 2017, funded by the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant and the Jordan Porco Foundation, a nonprofit organization created by Ernie and Marissa Porco in honor of their son who died by suicide as the college’s first person. The foundation seeks to promote mental health and prevent suicide by reducing the stigma of seeking help and providing young people with a message of hope and support. Likewise, SIU and Student Health Services, along with its partners, strive to provide support and information and establish relationships.

During inclement weather, a fresh inspection day will be held in the Fanner Breezeway.

For more information, visit Event website or contact Shelly Ridgeway at rachelle.ridgeway@siu.edu or 618-536-4441.

If you or someone you know needs support or help, contact SIU Counseling and Psychological Services at 618-453-5371. The National Suicide and Crisis Line is open 24/7 and can be accessed by calling or texting 988.