Heidi Tanner, director of wellness and health promotion, and Gianna Boveri, health promotion coordinator, know that a healthy Hawk is a happy Hawk.
“Students who take care of their mental, physical, and emotional health miss less class and are more resilient to the stress of college life.”
Heidi Tanner
Director of Wellness and Health Promotion
Now, Tanner and Boveri aim to move wellness from being just one piece of the Hartwick experience to being at the center of the College’s mission.
“We need to bring everyone to the table,” said Tanner. “This includes athletics, the Center for Student Success, Perrella Health Center and Counseling Center and the Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. It’s about looking at the policies and procedures we have on campus through that lens of wellness, and identifying the gaps so we can make it an even better space for students.”
Tanner and Boveri use the “Wellness Wheel” – a model for illustrating how the balance of its eight components – physical, emotional, occupational, environmental, spiritual, financial and social wellness – can help students maintain good mental and physical health.
One day, you might find the pair leading a “Narcan and Noodles” lunchtime workshop, where students learn to use Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses. Another day might find Boveri hosting crafts and sensory play during the recovery meeting group that she started for students who may struggle with addiction issues, either personally or with their friends and family.
“We’re always trying to find the pockets of wellness that we have, as well as identify the gaps in education that our students need,” said Tanner.
For example, Boveri found out that there was an ongoing “gap of knowledge” around contraception among students, so they put together a “Sex and Chocolate” event on Thursday, Feb 15, to give away candy and educate students about safe sex.
It’s one of more than 75 programs that the Office of Wellness and Health Promotion has offered since last fall.
“Gianna has created a safe space for our students to bring up wellness concerns on campus,” Tanner boasted. “She helps the students transform that concern into a positive, proactive wellness education program.”
Since joining the College community a year ago, Boveri has thrown herself into her role, growing the Peer Health Education program – which empowers students to lead wellness workshops – from three to six students.
And they’re always looking for ways to hone, partner with and increase their offerings.
“We want students to feel comfortable listening to what we have to say or to ask a question, That shows they feel honored, cared for and respected.”
Gianna Boveri
Health Promotion Coordinator
Program is set to launch in February 2025.
This work matters beyond a surface level.