Photo by Mike Lamb Red Cross technicians prepare student Kelli Essalente for donating blood during a blood drive held inside the student center at Southwest Minnesota State University Wednesday.

MARSHALL — Being thrown into a new environment as a student taking classes at Southwest Minnesota State University, freshman Amber Engels found help at the Western Mental Health Center.

Attending the SMSU Wellness Fair at the student center Wednesday, Engels stopped at the Western Mental Health Center booth to share her experiences she had at the center with its representative, Jessica Molina.

“I just wanted to comment on my experience, I guess,” Engels said. “Being in a tough place. Having someone to guide you and (show you). It was really nice.”

The Western Mental Health Center was one of several businesses on the second level of the student center offering assistance to students attending the fair. At the same time, the university’s Student Association was hosting a blood drive on the first level. A steady stream of students offered to donate blood, according to the association’s public relations coordinator, Marissa Winters.

Student Kelli Essalente was one of the blood donors.

“I enjoy doing it. I like helping others,” she said.

Meanwhile, the businesses represented at the wellness fair were pleased with the turnout as well.

“It’s fun to meet the students,” said Dr. Kelly Dvorak with Complete Health Center. Her business offers chiropractic, massage spa and a health store.

“Most of them hadn’t heard of us, so it’s fun for me to explain a little bit more,” she said. “It’s a good way for us to get out in the public and give back a little bit.”

Dan Morisette with Southwest Nutrition said he has a lot of customers from SMSU.

“A lot of SMSU athletes come to see us. We expected this to be a good turnout,” he said.

Molina was also pleased with the turnout and also offered some marketing tips.

“It’s all about how you interact,” she said.

That’s what interested Peter Olojo-Nwosu, who is a marketing major.

“I want to get some viewpoints from different businesses,” he said. “From the massage therapy you get coupons if you go see them. That’s marketing. I understand what they are doing. It’s like marketing. It’s pretty fun.”