Fresh Check Day (FCD), a program of the Jordan Porco Foundation (JPF), is a day meant to help build confidence in knowing how to support someone struggling with mental health challenges.

“If you have a friend that comes to you and says they’re struggling, you don’t necessarily know what to do, how to help them, and how to know if it’s serious,” said Deborah List, program director for the Bachelor of Science and public health program and assistant professor of the practice. “How do you know if it’s a bad day or if it’s something more than a bad day?”

JPF was founded in 2011 by Ernie and Marisa Porco, who lost their son to suicide. Jordan was a freshman in college when he ended his life. His parents created this foundation after deciding to turn their grief into action so other families never have to experience a horrible loss like this.

FCD has reached universities in 45 states, impacting over 250,000 college students and has made its way to the University of New Haven. On April 22, in the Maxcy quad from 11 to 2 p.m., the university will be hosting FCD.

New Haven’s FCD event model is unique, being the only one organized by students in both public health and health sciences programs. In List’s capstone class, students are in charge of planning and organizing FCD for the university.

“When I first heard about Fresh Check Day in my capstone class, I immediately felt like it was such an impactful opportunity,” said Amaya Acevedo, a senior health science student. “I was excited to be given a chance to be part of something that truly benefits the campus community.”

Students were put in six separate groups reaching all aspects of planning this event, including activities, fundraising, outreach, materials, logistics and marketing.

Acevedo was a part of the marketing team, which focused on promoting FCD through social media, campus tabling and displays to spread awareness. The team also worked with different university offices and staff to share information.

At this event, there will be about 10 booths, each giving information on how to help someone struggling with mental health issues while empowering students with fun and engagement.

“My role during the event was working at the Empower booth. At this booth, students can make their own friendship bracelet. Making bracelets is a fun way to relax, express yourself and connect with others,” said Laura Spedaliere, a senior public health student. “When students wear the bracelet, it is seen as a reminder that they are strong, capable, and empowered.”

FCD means something personal to each student who attends, but also to those organizing the event.

“I have lost people close to me to suicide, so if our event can help just one person realize that they are loved and should stay another day, that would mean so much to me,” Spedaliere said.

FCD is open to all students, faculty and staff to encourage mental health awareness throughout the community.

“I feel like this event is very impactful for students on a college campus because it helps them feel supported and reminds them that they are not alone,’ said Acevedo. “It creates a space where students can find resources and connect with others all in one place.”

For more information on the event, visit @freshcheckday_unnewhaven on Instagram.