Wellness Initiative Offers Free Game Day Hydration

The William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education at the University of Mississippi has launched the HYDRate Tent Initiative, offering free water and electrolyte drink packets to students and tailgate visitors.

"Game day comes with its challenges to keep the Rebs safe," Shannon Richardson, the center's assistant director.

"We know that there are several protective behavioral strategies that can be employed to reduce harm when it comes to alcohol consumption, and one of those strategies is hydration."

The HYDRate tent opened in the Grove during the Ole Miss vs. Furman tailgate on Aug. 31. Within three hours, volunteers gave away hundreds of bottles of water, Richardson said.

"People were coming in droves to get the water," she said. "We're talking students, families, faculty and staff that were there.

"We want students to know we're not an office that is coming down on you for decisions that you make. We're trying to provide healthy alternatives, protective behavior strategies and harm reduction to keep the Rebels safe. We're not here to judge you."

Students seeking help reducing substance use, dealing with stress or conquering other wellness issues can also receive a WellChat business card at the HYDRate tent.

The card explains where to fill out a form to connect with the center's wellness navigator for both on- and off-campus resources, which may include meeting with one of the center's certified peer educators, known as "WellRebs."

"As a person in recovery, I think the WellRebs program is a great resource," said Kirby Bowen, a junior psychology major and one of five WellRebs. "I've always had a strong urge to help other people regardless of what facet that is in. I can draw from my personal experience and use it to help others."

Whether students are consuming alcohol or not, the new initiative is a sign that the university cares about students' well-being, Bowen said.

"The HYDRate Tent is absolutely wonderful and absolutely necessary because I – and other people – have been out in that Grove and needed water and were not able to find it."

With massive tailgating crowds expected at the four SEC home games, the center is asking for volunteers to help set up and hand out water. Email wellnessedu@olemiss.edu if you want to help.

Support from the Chancellor's Grove Well-being Initiative has helped provide hundreds of water bottles during the first home game tailgates. Since then, donors who recognized the tent's positive impact have contributed to the effort.

"If nothing else, it just reminds people to drink water," Richardson said.

"The tent is emblazoned with 'Free Water' and that visual cue sounds so simple, but when you're out and about on game day, there are a million things going on and you may not drink enough water."

Top: Ole Miss football fans enjoy food and fellowship during a pregame tailgate in the Grove. The William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education is urging students and fans to drink enough water during game day festivities and will give out free water at its HYDRate Tent near the Student Union Plaza. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services