UW to Host Mental Wellness Forum with Governor

During a wellness forum hosted by the University of Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon will discuss the "Wy We Care" initiative, a statewide collaborative effort among all branches of state government, local community teams and private-sector providers aimed at reducing suicide risk and promoting mental health.

The free event, open to students, faculty, staff and community members, will be held in the Wyoming Union Ballroom from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3.

The governor will be joined by suicidologist/psychologist Kent Corso and UW violence prevention Coordinator Bob Vines for a fireside discussion, followed by audience questions and answers. Vines will share his personal story of mental health challenges during the isolation of the COVID pandemic.

The event is sponsored by the Associated Students of UW as well as the Dean of Students Office, Violence Prevention Center and Student Wellness. The forum is part of a month of mental health awareness events at the university. Additional upcoming events include an evening of storytelling from UW students, faculty and staff Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Pokes Pub starting at 6 p.m. and a "beard shave" during Union After Dark Friday, Dec. 6.

Before coming to UW, Vines was a primary prevention specialist with the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault focused on engaging men in violence prevention, childhood trauma and teen dating violence. He is a former victim advocate for the Washakie County Attorney's Office and a longtime Wyoming journalist, editor and writer.