University of Houston Promotes Mental Health Awareness With Fresh Check Day Event

The University of Houston brought mental health into focus on campus with its annual Fresh Check Day event, held earlier this month at the Student Center North Plaza.

Organized by UH Wellness and spearheaded by Assistant Director of Wellness Programs Brittani Clarkson and UH Wellness Instructional Assistant Prajaya Pathak, Fresh Check Day aims to spark open and honest conversations about mental health through engaging activities and supportive resources.

Fresh Check Day is part of a national initiative by the Jordan Porco Foundation, designed to promote awareness of various mental health issues and coping strategies within a collegiate environment. Through interactive booths, games and peer-to-peer support, the event creates a safe and welcoming space for students to explore mental health topics in an approachable way.

“Fresh Check Day is important because it serves as a critical opportunity for the UH campus community to engage in mental health awareness in a positive, interactive setting,” Pathak said. “It’s designed to create a supportive space where students can feel comfortable discussing mental health topics, learning about resources and recognizing the importance of self-care.”

This year, Fresh Check Day attracted more than 300 students, a 14% increase from last year. Pathak noted that the addition of live music, yard games and a variety of interactive booths helped boost participation. “The variety of booths and other added elements helped push it forward,” Pathak said.

Pathak emphasized that the event’s unique approach makes mental health more approachable for students. “Fresh Check Day stands out because it’s more than just a mental health event — it’s an interactive experience with games, art and music, which make it easier for students to join in. The event provides a sense of community, turning mental health awareness into a shared experience.”

Fresh Check Day aims to challenge misconceptions about mental health and suicide. “Many students may think they’re the only ones facing these issues, but the event highlights that struggles are more common than realized and that help is available within the campus,” Pathak said.

Throughout the day, UH-specific resources such as Counseling and Psychological Services and the campus pharmacy were highlighted to raise awareness about the mental health support available to students. “Our aim is to make mental health support feel accessible and familiar,” Pathak added.

The success of Fresh Check Day reflects UH’s dedication to creating a culture of care and empowering students to prioritize their well-being. “Feedback from past events highlighted the need for more interactive and varied activities, which helped shape this year's event. Students expressed appreciation for spaces to share personal experiences and build connections, inspiring us to focus on activities that encourage participation and peer support,” said Pathak.

The success of Fresh Check Day reflects UH’s dedication to creating a culture of care and empowering students to prioritize their well-being.

 “Feedback from past events highlighted the need for more interactive and varied activities, which helped shape this year's event. Students expressed appreciation for spaces to share personal experiences and build connections, inspiring us to focus on activities that encourage participation and peer support,” Pathak added.