Wildcat Check-in Week highlights campus mental health support

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 6, 2026) — The University of Kentucky will host its inaugural Wildcat Check-in Week April 6-10, a campuswide initiative focused on mental health and suicide prevention as well as strengthening a culture of care across the UK community.  

Led by Student Well-Being and coordinated by Prevention, Outreach, and Wellness Education Resources (POWER) in the Office for Student Success, the initiative is presented in collaboration with UK Human Resources Health and Wellness and the UK HealthCare Healthy Kentucky Initiative. Together, these partners are working to expand access to well-being resources and create opportunities for meaningful connection across the university community.  

Wildcat Check-in Week is grounded in a simple message: Check in. Reach out. Be connected.  

Research shows that connection and early support are key protective factors in suicide prevention. The week reflects a holistic approach to well-being, grounded in the Dimensions of Wellness and the importance of connection, resilience and support.  

“Wildcat Check-in Week creates visible, intentional opportunities across campus for students and employees to check in with themselves and with one another while learning about resources that support mental health and well-being,” said Kimberly Rufra, director of POWER.  

“I care deeply about this work, both professionally and personally,” said Jody Ensman, UK HR employee well-being manager. “Through my work supporting employees, and after losing my nephew to suicide, I’ve seen how critical early support and connection can be. I’m grateful for the strong partnerships across campus that make initiatives like Wildcat Check-in Week possible. Together, we’re creating space for meaningful conversations and reminding our campus community that checking in with ourselves and one another — and knowing what resources are available — can make a lasting impact.”

“When UK HealthCare began offering free online QPR training, we never imagined how it would grow into meaningful collaborations across campus,” said Jenni Jinright, manager of the UK HealthCare Healthy Kentucky Initiative. “Improving mental health across Kentucky starts with supporting well-being here on campus, and Wildcat Check-in Week shows our shared commitment to reducing barriers, increasing awareness and empowering individuals to take action to support themselves and others.” 

The week is anchored by Fresh Check Day, a nationally recognized mental health and suicide prevention event Wednesday, April 8, at  Alumni Commons (rain location: Gatton Student Center Grand Ballrooms). The event will feature a wide range of campus partners offering interactive experiences related to mental health, recovery, healthy relationships, financial wellness and overall well-being. Participants will have the opportunity to engage, connect and explore resources and enjoy lunch. The first 500 attendees will receive a free T-shirt. 

In addition to Fresh Check Day, events throughout Wildcat Check-in Week include: 

• Monday, April 6 — Mental Health Check-Ins provide opportunities for participants to connect with campus resources and learn about available support services. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at The 90, Mining and Minerals Resource Building and the Chandler Hospital North Lobby, these outreach opportunities provide access to a confidential mental health screening tools that can help individuals better understand their mental health and connect with appropriate support if needed.  

• Tuesday, April 7 — Participants are invited to enjoy a self-guided Mindfulness Moments Walk 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., allowing students, faculty and staff to engage in reflection, connection and well-being at their own pace. As part of the experience, Chalk the Walk provides an opportunity to share messages of encouragement and support. The walk is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Barker Plaza outside the Gatton Student Center. 

• Thursday, April 9 — Yoga on the Lawn, hosted by Campus Recreation, is open to all 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on the Main Building Lawn. The first 100 participants will receive a free yoga mat.

• Friday, April 10 — The week wraps up with a Remembrance Ceremony and a screening of the movie “Inside Out 2.” The ceremony provides meaningful and intentional space to reflect, remember and honor individuals lost to suicide, by creating and placing a remembrance flag. “Inside Out 2” highlights themes of emotions, mental health and self-awareness.  
  *For those unable to create a flag on Wednesday or Friday, staff can write a name on a remembrance flag on your behalf. Submit a name online if you would like to participate. 

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend events throughout the week and visit the Wildcat Check-in Week website for full details and opportunities to participate.