Florida State University will host Fresh Check Week — an uplifting event designed to bring the campus community together, increase awareness of mental health resources available to students and shine a light on suicide prevention.  

Fresh Check Week aims to create an approachable atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health and helps to build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available. 

“The beauty of Fresh Check Week is that we create a community of caring,” said Dr. Sue Shapiro, coordinator of NOLES C.A.R.E. at the FSU Counseling Center. “Students learn the warning signs and how to assist those in crisis in getting help. This saves lives.” 

The event will take place throughout Suicide Prevention Week and will be virtual this year, due to the pandemic. Students who attend events may enter a drawing to win a $20 Amazon gift card or a $25 FSU Bookstore gift card. The more events one goes to, the more chances there are to win.  

Created by The Jordan Porco Foundation, this free event is organized by the FSU Counseling Center, the FSU Peer Educator Program-RENEW (student volunteers) and representatives of The Jordan Porco Foundation.   

For Zoom links to virtual events, visit https://counseling.fsu.edu/campus-events.  

Below is a list of the events: 

Thursday, Sept. 3 – Friday, Sept. 11

100 Reasons Why: Inspire others by sharing your reason to stay alive on the University Counseling Center’s website and social media channels. Add leaves to a graphic tree by taking a photograph of your message. Be a part of the FSU community and show you care! Post photos on the University Counseling Center’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels at @FSUCounseling. The graphic will be displayed on the University Counseling Center’s website on Friday, Sept. 11. 

Tuesday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

“Care the Noles C.A.R.E. Way” for FSU Students: Learn about mental health and suicide prevention during this event presented by UCC’s Noles C.A.R.E. committee. Prize entry is available at this event. 

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

RENEW, a peer educator program: Did you know that one out of ten students think about suicide? Be a part of the Nine Out of Ten who help the 10th person get the help they need. Play a game and discuss how to help friends and others. Prevent suicide by knowing the distress signs and our mental health resources. Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Department of Student Support and Transitions Angela Chong will speak with students during this virtual event. Prize entry is available at this event. 

Thursday, Sept. 10, 1-2 p.m.

Uplift- Learn How to Make DIY Coping Box with Art: Uplift yourself by learning how to make a DIY Coping Box with Art during this virtual event presented by UCC’s Noles C.A.R.E. committee. Use a coping box to stay resilient, enjoy the moment or get through a tough time. Prize entry is available at this event. 

Friday, Sept. 11, 2-3 p.m.

“Care the Noles C.A.R.E. Way” for FSU Faculty and Staff: For our FSU Faculty and Staff, we will answer your questions about suicide prevention while you learn a straight-forward way to “Care the Noles C.A.R.E. Way.” This virtual event is presented by UCC’s Noles C.A.R.E. committee. 

Follow Fresh Check Week on the University Counseling Center’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels at @FSUCounseling.