Students have developed a digital map “to make it easier for UC Davis community members to find food on campus that meets their needs,” including free food. Also, the “Stigma-Free UC” initiative will present a webinar, Wednesday (May 23), on the topic of mental health awareness, and the Staff and Faculty Health and Well-Being Program announces a Diabetes Prevention Program with an introductory meeting set for June 28.

FOOD ACCESS MAP — A digital map produced by students as part of the Healthy UC Davis initiative to address basic food insecurity on campus, “to make it easier for UC Davis community members to find food on campus that meets their needs.” Built on Google Maps, the Food Access Map shows locations and other information for a number of categories — and you can filter what you are looking for. The categories include grab-n-go meals and snacks; vegetarian and vegan options; gardens; microwaves; early, late and weekend hours; and free food and other resources. “Whether you are looking for food available at specific hours, price ranges, microwaves or food that meets your restrictions/preferences, the Food Access Map has you covered!”

MENTAL HEALTH WEBINAR — The Stigma-Free UC initiative observes Mental Health Awareness Month by presenting a webinar by award-winning speaker and author Ross Szabo, who turned his personal experience, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, into an opportunity to educate others.

Stigma-Free UC is a one-year awareness initiative in support of UC faculty and staff’s emotional well-being. “Ultimately, we strive to promote compassion and empathy by listening, educating ourselves and developing an understanding of this complex and often misunderstood topic,” the initiative’s webpage states.

The Szabo webinar, for faculty, staff and students, is scheduled from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday (May 23). Here’s the link to participate online. Or, you can attend by phone: Call 408-638-0968 (Meeting ID 510 987 9443).

Szabo is the wellness director at UCLA’s Geffen Academy and the chief executive officer of Human Power Project, a company that creates mental health curriculum in use by more than 200,000 students in public and private school districts, colleges and universities, including UC Irvine. The curriculum received the Excellence in Education Award from the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors. 

Szabo is the co-author of Behind Happy Faces; Taking Charge of Your Mental Health and a blogger for The Huffington Post. His efforts in the mental health field have been recognized with the 2010 Didi Hirsch Removing the Stigma Leadership Award, 2012 Changing Minds Award and an entry in the Congressional Record by Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Massachusetts.

This is Stigma-Free UC’s fourth webinar. Videos of the other three are available here, and a video of the May 23 webinar will be posted in the same place.

More information on UC Behavioral Health Benefits, including free services through faculty and staff assistance programs.

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM — “Reach your goals by making gradual, healthy, reasonable changes in eating and activity — the kinds of changes you can stick with for a lifetime.” Open to eligible participants and running for 12 months through June 20, 2019, with meetings (noon-1 p.m. Thursdays) held weekly the first three months, every other week the next three months and monthly the last six months. Introductory meeting noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 28, in 130 Hoagland Hall. Subsequent meetings held in the same location. Basic qualifications are based on body mass index, lifestyle habits and readiness to change. Fill out this application form. Goals are to achieve and maintain 7 percent weight loss with healthy eating and an active lifestyle. This program can reduce the chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes by 58 percent for people under 60 and 71 percent for those who are older. Send questions by email, or call 530-752-6051. Presented by the Staff and Faculty Health and Well-Being Program.

UC DAVIS FARMERS MARKET — Continues 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through June 11, on the Quad (north end across from the Memorial Union). An extension of the Davis Farmers Market, the campus version has a mission of increasing the UC Davis community’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Sponsored by multiple campus organizations, including the Staff and Faculty Health and Well-Being Program.

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