SIU SALUKI CARES DAY 2026 1
CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – One local college is giving students a mental boost!
At SIU of Carbondale students are having some fun. They got to step outside of the classroom decompress and have a stress-free day.
Jacari Henderson is the Director of the Saluki Cares program of Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, the program connects students to resources on issues such as financial stress, grief, academic concerns and more.
Saluki cares day was held on April 8, 2026, and is designed to not only provide students with mental health resources but to give them a day to have some free fun and check in on their mental health.
“A day for them to really just de-stress” says Henderso. “The he month of April can be really chaotic for students as they prepare for finals or graduation and so this is just really a time for them to come gather with other students, eat free food. You know, jump on some inflatables and really just have a good time and kind of de-stress.”
From snow cones to pizza to a rock wall and bounce houses students got immerse themselves in fun today, Henderson shares they do this event twice a year, once for a weeklong in the fall and then a day long in the spring.
“It’s really important for students because they are navigating stress and anxiety challenges” says Henderson. “I mean, sometimes you just need a deep breath. have some fun, laugh, kind of gather with our friends. Really spend that time to kind of pour into ourselves so it is vitally important.”