When it comes to advocating for student well-being, one organization always brings the heat, literally and figuratively.
The Bradley HEAT is a peer-led group dedicated to (H)elping, (E)mpowering (A)nd (T)eaching students to make healthy choices regarding alcohol use, sex and mental health.
“Our biggest focus is just all-around wellness,” Avary Shrum, a junior nursing major, said. “Physical, mental, emotional … we embody it all.”
Beyond creating safe environments to discuss these issues, members of HEAT have taken it upon themselves to provide students with the resources they need.
The period product dispensers in campus bathrooms? That’s HEAT. They offer a variety of free hygiene products, from toothbrushes and deodorant to condoms, lubricant and more.
“One of the biggest things we advertise personally are the condoms and period packs,” Tyler Thomas, a junior social work and sociology major, said. “You can pick those up whenever you want, they’re just free resources that any student can come and get.”
Shrum and Thomas act as the coordinators for HEAT, guiding members and establishing connections with organizations across campus.
“I think you can really only benefit from being a part of HEAT,” Shrum said. “Not only do you get to make an impact on campus, which should be the number one seller. I mean, don’t you want to reach out and make a difference? But you also gain things from it like knowledge and communication skills.”
Other members agreed that the organization makes an impact both inside and outside the group.
“If I didn’t have HEAT, I would be kind of lost,” Irene Garcia, a junior psychology major, said. “Once you join, you start to feel like a little family. We’re all here for each other, and we’re here to help others emotionally.”
HEAT is heavily involved on campus, from presenting on mental health in EHS 120 classes and discussing consent and sexual health at sorority and fraternity houses, to hosting activities at Late Night BU.
On “Wellness Wednesdays,” they can be found in the student center, handing out resources and offering advice.
April, which is both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Stress Awareness Month, is a particularly active time for HEAT, as they aim to raise awareness and foster support within the Bradley community.
“We just did our clothesline project for sexual assault awareness, where in the past we’ve done clothing items with messages to survivors of sexual abuse or victimization,” Kayla Laude, a junior psychology major, said. “People have written their own stories on T-shirts and jeans as well … this year, we did it on little quilt squares.”
“It was really sweet to see all the support given to people on campus and people in the organization,” Laude added. “It’s one of my favorite [events]. And we’re going to build all the squares into a quilt.”
Sensitive topics like sexual assault can be difficult to discuss, but HEAT aims to make it easier. Students acknowledge the importance of learning to have uncomfortable conversations.
“[Being in HEAT] has made me more open to talking to people about harder topics like mental health and sexual health,” Erin Meekins, a senior animation major, said. “It’s made conversations in my personal life way easier.”
Although the semester is winding down, HEAT’s work is not done. Members will be in the student center on Wednesday from 12 to 2 p.m., wearing denim and raising awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. They’ll also be present at the final Late Night BU of the semester.
The HEAT office, located in Sisson 323, is open to all students from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“I just want [HEAT] to be almost a household name at Bradley,” Thomas said. “When you get these condom or period packages, I want you to know it’s from us. I want you to know who to contact … to know that we’re here and here to stay.”
With every conversation, care package and event, HEAT makes strides towards a safer, healthier campus.
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