The Health and Wellness Center is hosting a Mental Health Fair

Art work created by Ashley Vosburgh using a quote by Michelle Obama.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30 The University of Olivet will be hosting their annual Mental Health Fair at the Cutler Student Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Senior Taylor Marsh, president of Soronian house, and psychology major, has helped organize the fair. She said, “It's something the school does every year, and I wanted to be a part of it”.  

While organizing the fair is part of her practicum, it’s also a passion project. “I wanted to see what is encouraging towards mental health and all the agencies that can play into it and to help find resources for others.” said Marsh.  

The goal is to make Mental Health Support more inclusive. “We’re trying to de-stigmatize coming in for help.” said Robin LuckadooChadderdon, director of the Health and Wellness center.  

LuckadooChadderdon said, “We will have 25-40 vendors that will be giving out information on their services and how to access them. These will be local supports in our area”. 

The fair will host a variety of vendors, in hopes of having something for every student to enjoy. LuckadooChadderdon said, “this is a community for students, we want them to have a sense of belonging”.  

There will be organizations like The Art Alliance, providing information on art therapy. “We will also have vendors from music therapy groups to hygiene and even essential oils,” said LuckadooChadderdon. 

“There will be groups from health and wellness clinics.” Said Marsh. “And they can access support for some of the more difficult topics like HIV testing, S/A and planned parenthood.” 

Marsh said she looks forward to the Fellowship of Christian Athletics joining. “Whether you’re Christian or worship in other ways, spirituality has a lot to do with wellness.” 

“Use all of the resources, it will really enhance your experience.”, Ella Gaffke, senior, media and communications major, encourages students to take advantage of the services around school. “The beauty of a small campus is it makes it easier to talk to people. Reach out and do something that scares you. Do things outside of your comfort zone.”  

The fair will host interactive booths along with giveaways. Marsh says, “There will be refreshments like donuts and lots of activities,” There will also be games, art and music. “We’re hoping to get UO’s band to come out to talk about music and maybe do some type of drum therapy.” 

As a reminder, the health fair is the day before Halloween. Marsh is encouraging students to enjoy the fall festivities and come in costume if they’d like, “I’m going to!” 

Again, the focus is on de-stigmatizing the access of support and making resources more accessible. Students should keep an eye on their email for other health and wellness events and are encouraged to continue to visit the Health and Wellness Center for access to a variety of resources.  

The Center also hosts other events in hopes to de-stigmatize coming in for help, like the “condom and coffee bar” event and popcorn parties every Wednesday and Friday in the Health and Wellness Center. 

Written by Ashley Vosburgh