The Jordan Matthew Porco Memorial Foundation brought Fresh Check Day to the University of Connecticut this spring. The kickoff event featured Jordan Burnham of the Active Minds Speakers Bureau, a nationally acclaimed mental health speaker, giving a presentation about his survival of a nine-story fall and suicide attempt called “Life After the Fall.” The event itself, held on April 27, 2013, was an official part of UConn’s Spring Weekend events. In the past, Spring Weekend has earned itself a chaotic and even violent reputation, but this year’s programming helped ease some of the concern of both the University and its students as to the future of Spring Weekend. At least 800 students attended Fresh Check Day, and were greeted by music provided by a DJ from WHUS (UConn’s radio station), a wide range of activities to participate in, and the possibility of winning incredible prizes, including three 60” TVs. In response to the surveys sent out to attendees after the event, one UConn student said the event was great because it proved to him or her that “people care that I stay alive.” The event was received well by UConn students in attendance, who learned via the events of the day that there are many ways to deal with stress and mental health, and that there is always someone to reach out to if they find themselves in need.

Video Credit: Emma Reber