DENMARK, SC – Voorhees University’s Student Health Ambassadors hosted “Mocktails for Mental Health” on January 16, 2026, to kick off ROAR — Resilience, Outreach, Awareness, Recovery, the campus wide mental health initiative.
ROAR supports one of the six pillars of health identified by Voorhees Student Health Ambassadors through the HBCU Health Discovery Program, supported by the SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare to help decrease healthcare disparities in rural areas and increase the quality of life of its individuals. The HBCU Health Discovery Program facilitates ambassadors in prioritizing campus and community health needs; ROAR focuses on building resilience, expanding outreach, raising awareness, and supporting recovery for students across campus.
Mocktails for Mental Health, a monthly alcohol‑free event is designed to: normalize conversations about mental health and reduce stigma, introduce students to campus and community support resources, offer guided mindfulness, brief wellness workshops, peer-led storytelling, and resource booths from counseling Services, health services, and community partners.
The Student Health Ambassadors serve as peer educators and wellness advocates, coordinating events, and directing peers to on- and off-campus resources. Their work through the HBCU Health Discovery Program and the Rural Community Development Institute strengthens links between Voorhees University and surrounding rural communities.
“Student leadership in mental health is essential to creating a resilient campus community,” said Nurse Williams, Student Health Ambassador Coordinator. “Our ambassadors have worked collaboratively to design ROAR so students can access compassionate peer support, practical tools, and clear pathways to care.”
Student Health Ambassador Lasinagaye Bennett add, “We want to let our classmates know that it is okay to seek assistance and to not be ashamed. Mental health is just as important as your physical health. Mental wellness is not an option, it is essential.
