Posted: October 10, 2024Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

San Luis Obispo, CA – Cuesta College is proud to announce the return of the 3rd Annual Awareness Gallery, an interactive health-focused exhibit open to all students, staff, faculty, and the public. The Awareness Gallery is hosted at the San Luis Obispo (SLO) Campus Library and the North County Campus Library and runs from October 14 to October 28. The Awareness Gallery is a collaboration between the Cuesta College Student Health Center, the SLO County Behavioral Health Department, and the Cuesta College Libraries.

“This interactive display provides an environment for students, staff, and faculty to pause and reflect on their well-being,” said Annie Jankovitz, College Wellness Coordinator with County of SLO Behavioral Health. “The gallery offers resources and self-support activities that may be helpful for participants in their journey to maintain or improve their mental and physical health.”

In its third year, the Awareness Gallery continues to be a crucial outreach tool for promoting wellness and health education on campus. This year’s theme centers on Mental and Physical Health, including Sexual and Reproductive Health, reflecting the growing need for accessible and comprehensive health services for students.

To kick off the exhibition’s opening, a Resource Fair and free lunch will be held on Tuesday, October 15, at the North County Campus and Wednesday, October 16, at the San Luis Obispo Campus. Attendees will be able to discuss preventative low-cost services including: STI testing, cancer screenings, contraception consultations, and community mental health services. A resource table with information from campus health resources and the local community will also be available in the gallery.

Additionally, on October 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the newly established Cuesta Affinity Center will host a student mixer at the San Luis Obispo Campus Library. This mixer will include interactive activities and information on Affinity Programs, including the Student Parent Support Group, Monarch Dream Center, and NextUp Program.

For further information about the awareness gallery, contact the Cuesta College Student Health Center at studenthealthcenter@cuesta.edu. For details about the Cuesta Affinity Center and its programs, contact Michaela McLaughlin at michaela_mclaughlin@cuesta.edu.