Breaking the stigma: Fresh Check Day checks on students’ mental wellbeing

Augusta University hosted its first Fresh Check Day on Wednesday, Oct. 1, on the Health Sciences Campus. Powered by the Jordan Porco Foundation, Student Health Services and the Office of Student Wellbeing cohosted the uplifting mental health event to bring awareness to campus resources, support and suicide prevention.   

“Our priority is to normalize conversations about mental health,” said Morgan Davis, director of Student Wellbeing. “By creating more spaces that highlight these topics and reduce stigma, we hope students feel less isolated in what they’re going through. We also want students to know where they can turn for support and to recognize that this information is valuable not just for themselves, but also if a friend ever needs help.”   

In addition to the cohosts, many campus departments held interactive booths that encouraged conversation and connection. By creating a line of communication, Davis explained that it encourages students to talk openly about mental health and allows them to embrace a positive mindset to help navigate challenges.      

“Being open about mental health can feel uncomfortable at first, especially when you’re unsure how others will respond,” said Davis. “Needing support doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re human. Strength comes from connection, and sometimes simply starting a conversation can help someone else feel seen, too.”

Many of the campus partners that day welcomed honest conversations; those present included the Office of the Dean of Students, Richmond County Suicide Prevention Coalition with the Cancer Center, Student Counseling and Psychological Services, Augusta University Police Department, College Prevention Partnership, Institutional Access, Success and Belonging, Testing and Disability Services, Title IX, Master of Science Dietetic Internship faculty and students, Health Professions Outreach, Career Services and Multicultural Student Engagement.   

Annie Carr, coordinator of Student Wellbeing, prioritizes fostering a healthy campus culture of emotional well-being. She emphasized the importance of students continuing the conversation by checking in with not only themselves but also their friends.    

“We hope that Fresh Check Day encourages open, ongoing conversations about mental health – conversations that reduce stigma, promote empathy and empower students to reach out for support early,” said Carr. “We also encourage faculty and staff to continue learning how to recognize signs of distress and connect students to help when needed.”   

Daniel McLane, a fourth-year nursing student, stopped by Fresh Check Day after lab with his friend Alyssa Pearson, also a fourth-year nursing student. 

With their medical professions on the horizon, Pearson emphasized the importance of medical students prioritizing their mental well-being as they will soon be in the position of taking care of others.   

“It’s very important to make sure that our mentality is good going into nursing so that we can provide resources for others who may also need it,” said Pearson. “Encouraging conversations on mental health, to me, is not being afraid to talk about it. It’s important to talk about it and spread the word because if it’s not talked about, then it’s not going to be helped.”  

According to McLane, it is especially important for college students to have access to mental health resources. Many may feel stressed or anxious during certain points in the semester, especially around midterms and finals.   

“I think that it’s important to get rid of the stigma when talking about mental health,” said McLane. “A lot of people don’t want to talk about it because they feel uncomfortable about it, but it’s important to have those conversations because they’re important, healthy and everyone deals with these emotions.”  

Shelly Lui, a nurse practitioner with Student Health Services, encourages students to stay engaged and connected with departments directly involved in health, mental health and safety. Should an emergency situation arise, a student will then know exactly where to seek help.    

“Preventive physical and mental health care helps support academic success by improving focus, energy and memory,” said Lui. “This creates a foundation to help manage stress and mental health challenges that can be burdensome for college students.”   

Students can schedule same-day or urgent appointments online or they can call the clinic at 706-721-3488. In the case of an emergency, you can also call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline with counselors available 24/7.