Albany State WellFest Draws More Than 1,100 Students for a Day of Health and Wellness

Albany State WellFest Draws More Than 1,100 Students for a Day of Health and Wellness

The fifth annual event connected students with free health screenings, fitness activities, groceries, and mental health support.

ALBANY, Ga. Albany State University put student health at the center of campus life during its fifth annual WellFest, drawing 1,159 students, faculty, staff, and community members to the Jones Brothers HPER Complex on East Campus.

Students accounted for 1,107 attendees, more than 95 percent of the total, according to an October 29 university news release.

Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, the event used the theme The Wellness Playbook to encourage students to build healthier habits and learn where to turn for support.

Dedra Williams, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and Holistic Development, said the turnout reflected students’ interest in taking care of themselves beyond their academic responsibilities. She emphasized physical activity, nutrition, preventive screenings, and asking for help as part of student success.

Throughout the afternoon, students joined yoga sessions led by Honey Flow Yoga, tried water aerobics, and participated in fitness challenges. Hydration stations and smoothies offered refreshments, while Better Way Grocers provided free healthy groceries.

Attendees also had access to biometric health screenings, first aid education and supplies, and an American Red Cross blood drive. The ASU Cheer Squad brought energy to the event, with interactive activities and door prizes adding to the atmosphere.

The gathering also gave students preparing for health professions an opportunity to put their training into practice.

Nursing students from ASU’s Darton College of Health Professions conducted biometric screenings and helped classmates understand their results. The experience connected classroom learning with direct service to the campus community.

Orlandria Bennett-Reed, director of Student Health Services, said student nurses explained screening results and connected participants with additional care when needed, helping students take an informed approach to their health.

The ASU Dental Hygiene Program shared oral health information and scheduled appointments at the university’s Student Dental Hygiene Clinic.

Mental health support was another focus. Members of ASU’s Active Minds student organization encouraged conversations about emotional wellness and seeking help. Students also met with mental health professionals and community organizations to learn about available services.

In all, WellFest brought together 11 campus and community partners. Participants included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Phoebe Behavioral Health, Aspire Behavioral Health, The Change Center, Better Way Grocers, the American Red Cross, and Honey Flow Yoga.

Campus partners included Student Health Services, Counseling and Student Accessibility Services, Active Minds, and the Darton College of Health Professions.

Now in its fifth year, WellFest continues to connect Albany State students with practical support for their physical and mental health. From picking up groceries to scheduling a dental appointment, attendees had opportunities to address everyday needs while learning about resources available beyond the event.