HSCommunity: September 2024
/ Court Side
Happy September! I hope you are settled and in a good rhythm. As you begin to look for activities beyond classes, we have a full week of events planned for you! Sunday, Sept. 15 kicked off Diversity Week for WVU campuses, and National Healthcare Simulation Week at the WVU STEPS Center at Health Sciences begins Monday, Sept. 16. I invite you all to take some time to check out the events at the Health Sciences Center, across campus and online.
Why do we have diversity week? It’s simple. It is a dedicated and intentional time to take about people who are different than yourself; it can also be a time where you can learn more about your own cultures, or even reconnect. While these are practices that we should carry every day of the year, it is important to take designated time to acknowledge and celebrate each other.
Following Diversity Week, there is another week of activities planned for Week of Purpose, where we can connect with each other and explore self-discovery.
Have a wonderful September – I cannot wait to celebrate each other together!
/ Court Lanham, MSW (they/them)
Director of Diversity, WVU Health Sciences
Chancellor and Executive Dean’s Office
/ BeWell
The Carruth Center’s BeWELL team at Health Sciences will host some exciting activities using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMSHA) Wellness Wheel. There are eight different domains of wellness, one of which is spiritual wellness. Spiritual wellness may include leaning into a religion if that’s a value you hold close, but it’s about expanding a general sense of purpose and meaning in life. With WVU’s Week of Purpose right around the corner, we might suggest a creative activity to foster reflection.
My Past and Future Hands
Materials: You'll need thicker paper and art supplies, such as crayons, markers, paint, stickers, and/or colored pencils.
Directions:
- Find a peaceful area to reflect.
- Using a piece of paper, (preferably thicker paper) trace both hands using a pencil.
- At the top of the paper, write “My Past Hands Hold” over the left hand, and “My Future Hands Hold” over the right hand.
- Begin by filling in the left hand to illustrate your past/what you have overcome (brainstorm first or jump right in). Ask yourself…
- What does my past look like?
- What does my past feel like?
- Who exists there?
- What kind of things are part of my past?
- Repeat the above step for your right hand, this time asking yourself to imagine your future (brainstorm first or jump right in). Ask yourself…
- What color is my future?
- What does my future feel like?
- Who do I want to be there?
- What do I hope is a part of my future?
- Once done, reflect on your experience!
- What was it like?
- What surprised me?
- What did I like?
- How did I feel before and how do I feel now?
/ Layne M. Hitchcock, MA, ALPS, LPC (she/her)
BeWell Coordinator
Behavioral Health Clinician
BeWell, Extension of The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
/ Featured Events
Mindful Steps
Led by a team of expert instructors, this free 6-week series is designed to assist in developing and maintaining mindful resilience, mental fitness and relaxation. Participants are invited to attend the virtual one-hour sessions that offer a variety of simple yet practical tools to be mindful in daily living. Week two of the series will be on Sept. 19. Learn more.
Health Sciences Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony
West Virginia University Health Sciences is recognizing individuals and teams with Chancellor’s Awards, as well as the WISH (Women in Science & Health) Award, for their significant contributions to its mission on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the HSC Pylons Common. Learn more.
Create Your Own Vision Board
Come and visit the HSC Pylons on Monday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and create your own personalized vision board. The Operation Blue Sky Art Cart will be available. Learn more.
Meet Miniature Horses
Meet Miniature Horses! On Angels Wings Equine Therapy will be stopping by with their Miniature Horses for a visit to the HSC Pylons Commons on Monday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more.
Take A Break With Furry Friends
Meet Therapy Dogs! - Rigatoni, Lancelot, and Titan will be onsite. Take a cuddle break with a furry friend on Monday, Sept. 23 from 2 to 3 p.m. Learn more.
Free Healthy Snacks
Free Healthy Snacks and Infused Water in the HSC Pylons on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more.
Pot Your Own Herbs
Pot Your Own Herbs! - Stop by the Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 12 to 3 p.m. to pot your own herbs to grow at home! It's a great way to make healthy meals more exciting. Learn more.
For more events, visit cal.wvu.edu.
/ Journey to Your Highest Potential
All Mountaineers deserve the opportunity to reach their greatest potential and live their best lives.
From basic needs and life skills to managing stress, self-care and more, you can find the resources and tools you need to support your well-being, build resiliency and succeed in one, searchable location.