DIVISION OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week at BGSU. The Division of Health and Wellness, including the Counseling Center and the Wellness Connection, have partnered to raise awareness of mental health and provide support to those impacted.

Here are ways to be part of Mental Health Awareness Week at BGSU:

• Monday, Oct. 4: Crafting to Show You Care – Create resiliency rocks, hope notes and other crafts to spread mental health awareness.
• Tuesday, Oct. 5: The film “It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health” conveys that mental health conditions are real illnesses that can be managed through treatments and interventions. A facilitated discussion with the Counseling Center and Wellness Connection will follow the film.
• Wednesday, Oct. 6: Self-Care Street Fair – Join NAMI on Campus as they promote Mental Illness Awareness Week, to learn about campus advocacy organizations and community mental health organizations. Located in Room 201 of the Union, the event features self-care activities, free giveaways and lots of great organizations to meet and talk with.
• Thursday, Oct. 7: Counseling Center Open House – Meet Counseling Center staff and learn about their services outside of their office at the College Park Building. Not sure where they are located? Follow the chalking starting at the Student Union to their office.
• Thursday, Oct. 7: Brighten the Night: Yoga and Remembrance – Join the Student Wellness Network for reflection and remembrance of those impacted by mental health. The event features speakers followed by a gentle yoga class and loving-kindness meditation. The first 30 attendees will receive a free yoga mat.

Throughout the week look for green straws, and stickers on food delivered by the Starship robots, to further raise mental health awareness. Ongoing mental health awareness programs offered by BGSU include Move for Your Mood, Start the Conversation and other presentations and trainings from the Counseling Center and Wellness Connection.

Mental health is a top priority at BGSU. No Falcon should have to struggle alone. If you are concerned about someone, please share the following resources.

• BGSU Counseling Center - 419-372-2081
• Falcon Health Center - 419-372-2271
• Wood County Crisis Line - 419-502-HOPE
• Wood County ADAMHS Board - 419-352-8475
• EAP for Faculty and Staff - Available 24/7, 1-800-227-6007
• Campus Police - 419-372-2346 or 911
• Bowling Green City Police - 911 or 419-352-2571

Each member of our BGSU community, including our students, faculty, staff, parents and families, must work together to promote mental health and well-being.

COVID-19 Weekly Update

This week, BGSU continues to see a decline in COVID-19 cases, as outlined in our COVID-19 weekly dashboard. We appreciate everyone doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Falcon Health continues to offer free COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and vaccines are widely available at no cost. Free at-home and in-person rapid tests are available on campus to students, faculty and staff.

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Approved

Pfizer vaccine boosters have been approved for certain individuals at least six months after they receive the second dose of the two-dose Pfizer series. People age 65 or older and long-term care residents, and people ages 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster. People ages 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions and people ages 18 to 64 who are at increased risk for exposure because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster, based on their individual benefits and risks.

This week, the Wood County Health Department will begin calling eligible people who received the Pfizer vaccines through its clinics earlier this year to schedule appointments for boosters.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Exemption Plan

We encourage our campus community to learn more about the University's vaccination requirements, exemption process and noncompliance policies by visiting our Vaccination and Exemption Plans page. The deadline to submit your proof of full vaccinations is Nov. 29. Requests for exemptions must be received by Nov. 1.

Thank you for all you are doing to keep our campuses safe and healthy.

Be well,

Ben Batey, MPH, RN
Chief Health and Wellness Officer