College life can be stressful, especially at the beginning of a new school year. At St. Ambrose University, staff are working to make sure students know they have support available right on campus.
On Wednesday, the university hosted its annual Mental Health Fair, allowing students to learn more about mental health resources while connecting with members of the campus community.
Amber Dopler, an Outreach and Prevention Specialist with SAU’s Counseling Center, works to make mental health resources more accessible to students.
“My role in the university is to be the outreach and prevention specialist on campus regarding mental health. I like to get as much information out to students as possible, give them resources, help them to be able to monitor their mental health, and make services as accessible as possible.”
The Mental Health Fair has become an annual event at St. Ambrose, with this year marking the sixth year of the event. Organizers hope the fair helps students become more familiar with the Counseling Center and the different resources available to them.
While the university has counseling services on campus, staff also work closely with providers in the surrounding community to make sure students can find the support they need.
Dopler says these community partnerships are especially important because they allow students to access additional services, including assessments, substance-use resources, crisis support, and resources for those affected by sexual assault.
The fair also gave students a chance to learn about these resources in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Students could participate in games, win prizes, and meet others on campus while learning more about ways to take care of their mental health.
For students, the event was also an opportunity to have fun, make new connections, and discover resources they may not have known about.
One student said the event was a chance “to have fun and to make new connections at SAU and explore new options. The fair helped raise awareness about mental health and gave students a better understanding of one another.”
By bringing students and staff together, the Mental Health Fair aims to create connections that can continue throughout the school year. More than just a one-day event, organizers hope it encourages students to prioritize their well-being and feel comfortable reaching out when they need help.
