Yale Student Mental Health Association hosts annual fair

The Yale Student Mental Health Association organized the annual “Mind Over Matter” fair on Cross Campus, showcasing mental health resources and support for students on April 14, 2025. The event featured performances by Zaida Rio Polanco, a sophomore, and the Yale Student Marimba Band, alongside guided meditations and catered refreshments for attendees.

Various organizations, including Elis For Rachael and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, set up informational tables, presenting resources for mental health awareness. This year’s outdoor venue marked a shift from previous years, where the fair was held indoors at Berkeley College.

Hubert Tran, a co-director of the Yale Student Mental Health Association, emphasized the event’s purpose: spreading awareness about mental health resources on campus and in the broader New Haven community. He noted the importance of collaborations with on-campus organizations like YC3 and the Good Life Center, as well as partnerships with non-profits like Active Minds, to enhance outreach efforts.

Despite the event’s focus on the Yale community, Tran pointed out that working with external organizations allows for a wider audience reach. Taylor Gainey, a representative from Alliance For Prevention and Wellness, remarked that the outdoor setting attracted passersby, fostering greater interaction about available resources.

Shruti Parthasarathy, chair of the graduate branch of the Yale Student Mental Health Association, noted the event aimed to highlight mental health support specifically for graduate students, a demographic that often feels overlooked.

The fair featured an increased number of participating organizations compared to previous years, a positive shift as engagement had declined following the COVID-19 pandemic. At 1 p.m., a scavenger hunt began, organized in collaboration with Whales Of Yale, which is known for its campus-wide crochet whale hide-and-seek initiative. This activity encouraged participation and engagement among attendees.

Isabel Nuño, a peer liaison at La Casa Cultural, expressed hope that the event would encourage students to utilize available resources, regardless of their previous involvement in campus life. She pointed out that La Casa offers support for all members of the Yale community, including students who may feel hesitant to engage due to perceived barriers. Nuño invited students to visit La Casa for study sessions or social gatherings, emphasizing the center’s welcoming atmosphere.

Elis For Rachael, founded in April 2021, is among the organizations dedicated to enhancing mental health awareness and support on campus. The “Mind Over Matter” fair not only serves as a platform for sharing resources but also aims to foster a sense of community and connection among students.