UW-River Falls to host May 2 event to discuss Veterans’ mental health

Session made possible by grant from Universities of Wisconsin

River Falls, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host a Thursday, May 2, discussion about mental health concerns among Veterans and military students, an event made possible by a $5,000 grant the university has received to support that population. 

The public is invited to hear Mike Waldron, executive director of 23rd Veteran, speak about the work he and his organization are doing to support the well-being of Veterans and military students. Waldon will speak at two sessions: one from 11 a.m.-noon and the other from 1:30-2:30 p.m., both in the Trimbelle River Room in the University Center, 501 Wild Rose Ave., on campus. Refreshments will be served.

UW-River Falls received the grant from UW System Veteran and Military Connected Student Support, with the goal of heightening awareness of the need to support the success of Veterans and military students at the university. That support can come in various ways, such as academic, financial, physical, mental, and social needs.

Joe Kmiech, chief information officer in the UWRF Division of Technology Services and a Veteran, said the grant will help provide a variety of services to Veterans and military students, including efforts to address mental health. The funding is especially timely, he said, given ongoing concerns about Veterans’ mental health and the fact that four UWRF students died by suicide last semester.   

“Looking at the events of last semester and trying to prevent further possible suicides is of particular concern to us on our campus,” Kmiech said. “It’s important to have these types of grants and programs with the work we do here with our Veterans and military students.”

In a variety of ways, 23rd Veteran works to support Veterans and prevent suicides by military members. According to the organization Stop Soldier Suicide, Veterans are at a 72% higher risk of suicide than people who have not served in the military. 

UW-River Falls is a military friendly university that is proud to support America’s armed forces. Questions about the event can be directed to joseph.kmeich@uwrf.edu.