NMU WellBeing Marks World Mental Health Day with 5K, Programming

Northern Michigan University WellBeing will host "Wildcat World Mental Health Day" Thursday, Oct. 10, coinciding with the World Health Organization's World Mental Health Day, which raises awareness of related issues on a global scale and mobilizes efforts in support of mental health.

NMU Wellbeing Promotions and the WellBeing Center will offer programming that pertains to mental health awareness and resources leading up to and on Wildcat World Mental Health Day. The event will culminate with a Mind Over Miles 5K run/walk, sponsored by the WellBeing Center and NMU as part of the university's 125th anniversary.

"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 well-being 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 addresses the holistic needs of those who call Northern home and inspires dialogue about mental health."

Mind Over Miles 5K participants will start at the WellBeing Center, take a scenic loop around the edge of most of Northern's central footprint, and finish back at the WellBeing Center. The first 100 registrants will receive a complimentary T-shirt. Registration is free and closes Oct. 7, but limited same-day registration will be available from 4:30-5:15 p.m., before the start of the race at 5:30. The course cut-off time is 7 p.m.

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 implemented multiple changes through the Charter's call to action in a deliberate effort to prioritize the well-being 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 physical and mental healthcare needs of Northern students and employees under one roof.

Northern also created a Case Administration and Resource Education (CARE) Team of campus-wide experts who 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, or on behalf of someone else.

Employee and student members of the WellBeing Center, CARE Team and student peer educators will provide helpful resources and programming before and on Wildcat World Mental Health Day, while also commemorating additional occasions that focus on mental health. These include 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 well-being, 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, Tessman outlined a trio of "grand challenges" that NMU will focus on moving forward. The first 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 Wildcats have the opportunity to thrive professionally and personally.