On September 24, NAMI On Campus hosted a Mental Health Bingo session at the Student Union, bringing together students from both Ohio State Mansfield and NCSC for an engaging afternoon focused on well-being. NAMI On Campus is a student-led club, dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and support for students on campus. This event combined friendly competition with mental health-themed activities, offering participants an opportunity to recharge, build community, and learn more about the organization, the resources they provide, and upcoming events.
NAMI Host "Mental Health Bingo" to Promote Campus Wellness and Connection
The interactive bingo rounds covered physical and emotional wellness topics, including stress management, healthy self-care practices, disease prevention, physical fitness, and substance awareness. Between different rounds, participants learned practical mental health tips, picked up informational flyers, and took home prizes, including pens, bracelets, reusable heat/ice packs, and games.
This initiative aimed to reduce the stigma around mental health on campus while creating an open environment where seeking support and discussing mental health are encouraged and normalized. “Feel comfortable to talk about mental health,” a NAMI On Campus event organizer emphasized when reflecting on the primary message they hoped students would take away. The organizer highlighted the urgent need for accessible mental health support in higher education, noting that mental health challenges have become increasingly prominent among college students. Addressing the broader academic community, the organizer offered straightforward and encouraging advice for college students: “Explore options, enjoy time on campus, and don’t be afraid to seek help”. Students seeking to get involved or access additional resources are encouraged to connect through NAMI On Campus’s official Instagram account or the informational flyers posted across campus with more contact information.
The response from attendees emphasized the value of combining active education with an interactive social connection. Ohio State Mansfield student Brenna Whatman noted that adjusting to a new environment, workload, and schedule can be stressful and a big hurdle for college students. Events like this can help students connect and gain the resources on campus that are there to help and support. Having a fun and interactive way to spread awareness about mental health and guide students is what NAMI On Campus strives to achieve. “It was fun,” Whatman shared, explaining how the game format made mental health feel more approachable.
More than just a social activity, events like Mental Health Bingo create essential bridges between students, faculty, and campus support networks. By encouraging peer collaboration and ensuring resources remain visible, NAMI on Campus continues to cultivate a healthier, more supportive university environment for everyone.