Drake is again challenging Des Moines University and Wesley Life to a step challenge. We are putting together a team and want you to participate.

During the month of October, team members from all three institutions will track their daily steps. You may use a pedometer, fitness tracker, or smart phone app. Any movement that records steps counts, including walking, running, and fitness classes. You will be provided with a journal to make recording easy and receive fun facts and tips along the way.

At the end of the month, the institution with the highest average step total will win a traveling trophy and bragging rights for the year. Individual prizes will be awarded as well. We need your help to win that trophy!

This event is open to all faculty, staff, and students so spread the word. To register, email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu. The deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 27.

—Linda Feiden, Wellness & Recognition Specialist, Human Resources

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join this year’s Healthiest State Walk on Wednesday, Oct. 2.  The walk is part of the Healthiest State Initiative and its goal of making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation.

The walk will begin in the Olmsted Center breezeway at 12 p.m. and follow a path around Drake’s campus.     

We are again combining efforts with Sodexo’s Mindful Mile program.  Lucas Flaherty, Sodexo campus dietitian, will be on hand to provide handouts, infused water, and more.   

It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk a mile, so consider taking a few minutes away from work or studies to participate in this fun and healthy event. 

For more information, email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.   

—Linda Feiden, Wellness & Recognition Specialist, Human Resources

If you are looking for new Drake drinkware, either for yourself or to give as a gift, check out shop.drake.edu as it is 20% off through Sept. 23.

—Caron Findlay, Director, Purchasing and Business Services

PARKING CLOSURE: As previously announced, the Olmsted Lot will be closed for a Career Fair event this Friday, Sept. 13, from 6 a.m. to noon. Zone 1 permits (Olmsted Lot) will be honored in any lot except for Red and Green Zones on Friday. The lot will reopen at noon for permit holders.

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate students are presenting various health and wellness information weekly in the Cline Atrium from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The following are the dates and topics to be presented:

September 11: Sleep Hygiene
September 17: Backpack Awareness
September 24: Meal Planning
October 1:  Brain Health
October 22: Life Balance
October 29: Fall Reduction
November 5:  Technology Detox
November 12: Mindful Occupation
November 19: Winter Health
December 3:  Stress Management during the holidays

Please join us!

—Denise Kluever, Occupational Therapy Program

Pi Theta Epsilon, the academic occupational therapy honor society is sponsoring Youth Mental Health First Aid on 11/9/19 at the OT Building, 3003 Forest Ave for interested individuals, $75.00. Seats are limited and registration is required. For more information, contact Christine.Urish@drake.edu

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders.

Register here or find more information about mental health first aid.

—Christine Urish, Professor of Occupational Therapy

Drake’s Title IX webpage is a one-stop resource for information, resources, and policies addressing sexual and interpersonal misconduct, including sexual violence or assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, dating/domestic violence, or stalking.  The webpage includes the Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct policy, resources for support, options for reporting, and assistance with safety, housing, or classes or with finding information about our processes and policies.

If you have questions about sexual and interpersonal misconduct, or if you would like to learn more about prevention efforts or Drake’s policies and procedures, please contact the Interim Title IX Coordinator, Tricia McKinney (271-2100 or titleix@drake.edu) or the Violence Prevention Coordinator, Lynne Cornelius (271-4141 or prevention@drake.edu).

Define the Line. Respect the Line. is a Drake initiative to raise awareness of prevention efforts as well as resources and support the University provides as it pertains to sexual and interpersonal misconduct. Define the Line. Respect the Line. emphasizes that while everybody has the right to determine their own line, there is one clear line at Drake: sexual or interpersonal misconduct is not tolerated, accepted, or ignored. Think, talk, learn, listen, and act in a way that respects this line—we are all part of Drake.

— Tricia McKinney, Interim  Title IX Coordinator, and Lynne Cornelius, Violence Prevention Coordinator