As the academic semester reaches peak stress levels, Florida A&M University is answering the needs of its students with an event aimed at prioritizing mental health. The 2023 World Mental Health Day Expo promises a holistic experience, combining relaxation, education and engagement.
A collective effort involving She Speaks Solutions, a platform advocating for mental health, the FAMU Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, FAMU Office of Counseling Services, FAMU Department of Social Work and the 117th Miss FAMU Kendall Johnson, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and provide valuable resources to students, faculty, staff and the local community.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Efferson Student Union. The partnership between She Speaks Solution and FAMU organizations signifies a united front on addressing mental health challenges. By combining their efforts, these organizers hope to deliver a powerful message that mental health is a shared responsibility and requires a community-wide approach. Not to mention, attendees can expect the expo to address challenging lifestyle topics surrounding mental health needs.
“I wanted to create an event for students to relax and take a breather during the most stressful time of the semester. The organizations promote the importance of mental health and students’ well-being,” Johnson, Miss FAMU, said. “As a part of my reign as the 117th Miss FAMU, I am striving to prioritize mental health among students; there will be more events and initiatives to come this year. The Office of Counseling Services will also continue to host various events through the school year for our students.”
Anika Fields, director of the Office of Counseling Services, welcomes a united effort to address mental health.
“The objective is for students, faculty, staff and the Tallahassee community to be aware of the importance of taking care of themselves mentally as well as they do physically,” Fields said.
The OCS plays a critical role in the expo, offering Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training to equip attendees with valuable skills for recognizing and responding to mental health crises. Attendees can expect diverse activities and resources tailored to promote a positive mental health practice.
From therapy animals courtesy of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to yoga classes, art therapy and more.
As the event’s central message, the organizers hope every attendee leaves knowing that their mental health matters.