Milwaukee V. A. Center hosts 3rd Annual Mental Health Summit: Leave No Woman Behind at Marquette University

Health care providers, community groups, veterans and their families are invited to help shape how Veterans Affairs provides mental health outreach by participating in the 3rd Annual Mental Health Summit: Leave No Woman Behind.

This year's summit has a special focus on serving female veterans and meeting their mental health needs.

The free event takes place 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 22 in Marquette University's Grand Ballroom and features guest speakers as well as small, breakout groups to discuss issues. Breakfast and lunch is included.

Registration is required by July 7 so the correct amount of food can be ordered.

Gary Kunich from the Milwaukee V.A. Medican Center and Michelle Watts, an organizer of this year's summit, were live guests Monday on the CBS 58 News at 4 p.m.

The summit is a collaboration between mental health professionals at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, Marquette and the community, and is open to everyone. The goal is to engage and brainstorm to address the mental health needs of veterans and their families.

Some of the breakout sessions include:

- When There's No Place to Call Home: Homelessness Among Women Veterans

- Out & About: Mental Health Services at the VA and in the Community

- Cycle of Violence: Focus on Domestic Violence

- Healing Hands: Complementary and Alternative Healing for the Mind, Body and Spirit

- Animal Therapy: Furry Friends Helping Friends

- Finding Hope in Recovery: Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Services

- Mind Over Matter: Mental Health Preparedness for Law Enforcement and Judicial Services

Other topics include the role of the family, military sexual trauma and substance abuse, as well as information on art, music and equestrian therapy.

Pre-register by Tuesday July 7 to Wesley Kerevan: [email protected] ; 414-384-2000 ext. 41826