EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University put student mental health in the spotlight Tuesday in East Lansing with its third annual Fresh Check Day at People’s Park near the International Center.
The event focused on interactive mental health promotion and suicide prevention, with peer-to-peer engagement, campus resources and activities. It was hosted by University Health and Well-Being in partnership with the Jordan Parker Foundation and featured 16 interactive booths.
Booths ranged from a mocktail station focused on substance abuse prevention to information on gambling addiction. Attendees received number cards and were challenged to visit every booth for a chance to win a prize.
Dr. Alexis Travis of University Health and Well-Being said the timing matters because students are in midterms and dealing with academic, financial and social stress. She said organizers chose this time of year in part because 29% of students in a national university health survey reported feeling hopeless.
Organizers say past participants benefited: 88% of students said they were more aware of mental health resources afterward, and 83% said they would be more likely to seek help if they were in emotional distress.
Anyone who needs help can call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
