As the school year comes to an end, students at Three Rivers Community College are facing the stress of final exams on top of their daily responsibilities. To help students recognize and reduce stress, Hartford HealthCare’s community health team brought the final installment of a five-part healthy living series to the school. Community health nurse Michele Brezniak spoke with students about the physical and mental symptoms of stress, sharing strategies to address it. This initiative, known as „Happy Hearts and Healthy Happenings,“ was a collaboration between Three Rivers, HHC, the Norwich NAACP, Sankofa Education and Leadership Inc., and Chelsea Groton Bank.
The program included weekly sessions at Three Rivers, covering topics such as healthy eating on a budget, personal safety, money management, and community resources. Attendees received gas cards, gift cards to local stores, and prizes like air fryers and yoga kits. Rebecca Kitchell, the Associate Dean of Student Development at Three Rivers, expressed her enthusiasm about making this program a regular part of each semester. She highlighted the importance of providing wellness resources to students who often struggle with basics.
Shiela Hayes, founding member and vice-chair of Sankofa Education and Leadership Inc., emphasized the shift in focus for students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Immediate unmet needs like trauma, suicide, and depression became prevalent, prompting the need for education and advocacy in these areas. With funding from the General Assembly’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, spearheaded by Norwich state Rep. Derell Wilson, the program was able to move forward. Hayes praised the turnout and benefits of the program, underscoring the value of collaborative partnerships with organizations like Hartford HealthCare.
Overall, the „Happy Hearts and Healthy Happenings“ program at Three Rivers Community College exemplifies the importance of providing holistic support to students facing various challenges. By addressing wellness in multiple dimensions, from diet to mental health to safety, the program serves as a valuable resource for the student community. The success of this initiative underscores the impact of collaborative efforts in promoting health and well-being among college students.
