Fresh Check Day aims to eradicate the stigma around mental health

By Chuck Gordon

The first few weeks of college can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially for new students.

"It's one of the most transitional times in their lives, and a lot of things are happening all at once," says Jennifer Johnson, director of counseling services at Wingate. "When they are away from what they've known as their support system and something happens, they don't know how to manage it. They don't know where to turn. Nobody's there to fix it for them."

That's why every year Wingate University joins colleges around the country in an effort to inform students about how to spot signs of mental health problems in themselves and others and what to do about it.

At yesterday's Fresh Check Day, 10 activity booths were set up on the lawn in front of the Stegall Building to help students "check in" on their own mental health and that of their peers. More than 375 students came through in the late afternoon to write words of encouragement (to themselves and others), decorate T-shirts, play "Jeopardy!," and do a little physical fitness. Along the way, they learned important lessons, such as how to spot the signs of suicide ideation in others.

Fresh Check Day began nationwide in 2012 to address college-student suicide awareness and mental health issues. Between 2000 and 2022, suicide rates in the United States increased 36 percent. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people age 10 to 34, and it is estimated that about 1,100 college students die by suicide each year.

Johnson says it's important for students to understand that it's OK to admit that you might have a problem that needs to be addressed.

"People struggle with their mental health, and sometimes we don't really talk about it," she says. "There's still a stigma around it. The reason we do this is to bring attention to recognizing that your mental health is a part of who you are and that you can do something about it and not just sit in it and self-destruct."

Anxiety is a common issue, as is a lack of connectedness, especially for freshmen. Understanding that she's by nature a little on the shy side, Faith Stodghill, a freshman from Jackson, Ga., came to Wingate determined to be more assertive.

"I'm actually taking the steps to go out and talk to people," she says. "A lot of people are comfortable just being in their little bubble, but it's good to break out."

Izzy Minish, a freshman from Morganton, N.C., says Fresh Check Day is helpful in that regard.

"I think it just lets everyone know that they're not alone, no matter where they are in life," she says. "There's always help, and there's always someone that you can talk to."

One of the first booths students encountered at the event was "9 out of 10," which helped them spot the signs of suicide risk in others and know what to do about it. (Statistics show that one out of 10 college students has suicidal thoughts at some point, so their peers are encouraged, as being among the other nine, to recognize the signs and take action.)

At the booth, students were encouraged to write words of wisdom on a paper tablecloth. Minish wrote: "You are always loved by at least one person in this world."

"I feel like for a lot of people, it's hard to feel loved sometimes," she says, "but there's always at least one person out there."

Dei Reich, associate vice president for student life, helped organize the first Fresh Check Day at Wingate, during the Covid era. She was pleased to see such a good turnout yesterday.

"Something like this just helps with the awareness and lets people know they're not alone," she says. "There are resources here, and there are people here that will help them and work with them."

The idea for Fresh Check Day was hatched by the Jordan Porco Foundation, which was founded 15 years ago by the parents of Jordan Porco, who took his life during his freshman year of college. The foundation's goal is to "challenge the stigma around mental health and help-seeking."

"With suicide awareness, a lot of people suffer in silence," Reich says. "And they don't tell anybody, or they tell their friend and the friend doesn't know what to do with it. We're letting them know that there are resources here. There are ways to get help. And we want you to reach out. We want you to tell us. We want to help you."

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns or is in emotional distress, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7, or text HOME to 741741 (24/7). Wingate students can also reach out to University counseling services Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For after-hours support, contact Residence Life at 980-210-4950 or Campus Safety at 704-233-8999, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency rooms.

Sept. 11, 2026