Resources across the U.P. team up to help veterans
IRON MOUNTAIN — Stakeholders throughout the U.P. came together today to enhance the mental health and well being of veterans in the area.
The fourth annual mental health summit hosted by the Oscar G. Johnson Medical Center was held earlier today at Bay West College. This event gives community stakeholders the chance to collaborate with veterans affairs to promote awareness of veteran needs. Other than several guest speakers, the event also had individual sessions to acknowledge peer support.
“It’s in part to help everyone know what information is out there, what resources are available for veterans and their families, and so during our breakout session we do have three veterans coming to share their experiences with some of our VA services” said Mental Health Summit Coordinator, Dr. Brenda Reed.
Since beginning this event, veterans have noticed an improvement in finding mental health resources around the U.P.
“Over the past ten years, there has been a lot of growth within the VA. As an employee myself, I have seen that first hand, but also as a veteran I have felt that there is more availability. not only for myself as a provider but also for the type of providers people are able to see” said Peer Support Specialist for the Iron Mountain VA, Fernando Chavarria.
If you did miss the event today, Mental Health Summit is already planning to have another similar event next year.