What: Unplug and Connect is an on-campus event that promotes social and emotional wellness at the launch of a new academic year by encouraging students to put down their phones, take out their earbuds and engage with their fellow students.

When: Friday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Patio behind Chamberlin Student Center at Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro

Who: An anticipated 500 students taking part in activities, contests and displays with Rowan University’s Campus Recreation, Healthy Campus Initiatives, Rowan Student Center/Campus Acitivities and other on-campus organizations, along with the New Jersey Hospital Association and its members serving the Rowan community - Cooper University Health Care, Inspira Health Network, Jefferson Health New Jersey, Lourdes Health System and Virtua.

Why: “Good health begins in the community or, in this case, on campus,” said NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett. “If our goal is to create healthier communities, we need to reach individuals early and promote healthy behaviors. And in today’s culture, when it’s all too easy to plug in and tune out, a key part of wellness is to engage with each other and build strong, supportive relationships. NJHA and its members are thrilled to partner with Rowan University on this initiative, and we hope it can become a model for building connections on campuses across the state.”

Contact: NJHA’s Kerry McKean Kelly, 609-275-4069 (o), 609-306-1426 (cel) kmckean@njha.com