Northern Michigan University WellBeing today announced that will host “Wildcat World Mental Health Day” on Thursday, Oct. 10, coinciding with World Mental Health Day, an effort by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The day of, as well as the days preceding Wildcat World Mental Health Day, will feature programming related to mental health awareness and resources hosted by WellBeing Promotions and the WellBeing Center, culminating in the Mind Over Miles 5K. The 5K run/walk event, sponsored by the WellBeing Center and Northern as part of its 125th anniversary celebration, will begin at the WellBeing Center before taking participants on a scenic loop around the edge of most of Northern’s central footprint, and finish back at the WellBeing Center.
“Wildcat World Mental Health Day and the Mind Over Miles 5K are great opportunities for us to demonstrate Northern’s ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of our student body and campus community,” said NMU President Brock Tessman. “As we continue our implementation of the Okanagan Charter and address our first ‘grand challenge’ of supporting people, we are grateful for events like Wildcat World Mental Health Day to host thoughtful programming that address the holistic needs of those who call Northern home and inspire dialogue about mental health.”
The first 100 registrants for the Mind Over Miles 5K will receive a complimentary T-shirt. Registration is free and closes Oct. 7, however limited same-day registration will be available from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. before the race begins at 5:30 p.m. The course cut-off time is 7 p.m.
Campus Commitment to Wellbeing
In April 2023, Northern became the 17th signatory of the Okanagan Charter, an international charter for health promoting colleges and universities. The Charter has two calls to action: Embed health into all aspects of campus culture, across the administration, operations and academic mandates; and lead health promotion action and collaboration locally and globally.
Since adopting the Okanagan Charter, Northern has thoughtfully implemented multiple changes through the Charter’s call to action in a deliberate effort to prioritize the wellbeing of the whole person.
In August 2023, Northern opened its newly constructed WellBeing Center, which houses both the Health Center and Counseling and Consultation Services. The $6.5 million, 13,500-square-foot WellBeing Center can comprehensively address the mental and physical healthcare needs of Northern students and employees under one roof.
Northern also created a Case Administration and Resource Education (CARE) Team, which consists of a campus-wide team of experts to provide free support services to vulnerable students. Students, faculty and staff who acknowledge that they’re having a difficult time academically, emotionally or psychologically can reach out to the CARE Team to obtain the support they need, as well as on behalf of someone else.
Employee and student members of the WellBeing Center, CARE Team and student peer educators will provide resources and programming on and in the lead-up to Wildcat World Mental Health Day, commemorating additional occasions that focus on mental health, including National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month (October), Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 1-7) and National Depression Screening Day (Oct. 5).
“Wildcat World Mental Health Day allows us to creatively embrace a holiday that puts our mental health at the forefront, empowering our Wildcats to take the steps they need to prioritize their health and wellbeing, build community and take advantage of the resources offered by Northern,” said Assistant Vice President for Campus WellBeing Abigail Wyche. “We look forward to engaging with our students, sharing mental health resources and supporting their journey at Northern and beyond.”
In his fall convocation ushering in a new academic year, Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman outlined a trio of “grand challenges” that NMU will focus on moving forward, and updated the university’s core values and mission/vision statements. The first grand challenge is “Supporting People,” which highlights the interconnectedness of people, place and the planet. Embracing the Okanagan Charter and its Calls to Action, along with Northern’s commitment to honor and nurture the role of Indigenous people and perspectives, will ensure all Wildcats have the opportunity to thrive professionally and personally.
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