There’s nothing scarier than your health being out of your hands. That’s what the Del Mar counselors tried to convey at their second annual Spooktacular Health Fair. The event, which took place on the second floor of the Harvin Center and included a haunted house-themed maze in Room 233A, was meant to educate students on their mental and physical health and safety.
Twenty organizations provided booths at the event, supplying the fair with educational materials and useful free gifts for all students, including condoms, flashlights, school supplies and brochures on personal health.
The Counseling Department held this event in the hopes of educating students about how they can be more active in their health. Over 100 students went through the maze and even more visited the booths outside.
“We’re just trying to spread awareness and increase wellness,” counselor Johanna Torres said.
While going through sections dedicated to suicide warning signs, safe sex and domestic violence, students were shown and reminded that the counseling services at Del Mar are free, confidential and available almost anytime.
“We’re hoping they learn that there is help out there. We’re trying to build awareness. There are services in our community and there are so many resources on campus,” said Kandice Fricke-Sweetman, a counselor who talked with students about the warning signs of suicide.
In addition to the maze and booths, there were immunizations available for the first 400 students who signed up thanks to a donation from Walgreen’s.
“Students really seemed to enjoy it,” lead counselor Rita Hernandez said. “We hope students are now more aware of the services we offer, where our location is, and that help is here if they need it.”
Counseling services at Del Mar are free and confidential and led by professionals who are trained to assist students through tough times and crisis. Counseling services on East Campus are located in Room 233A and on West Campus in the Emerging Technology Building, Room 208. For more information on making an appointment, call 361-698-1586.
