Graduate counseling students volunteer at community event for veteran safety and mental health

Support, safety, and connection. For Nicole Marietta, a third-year Ph.D. student and graduate assistant in teaching through the Waynesburg University Graduate Counseling Program, those words defined the inaugural event on veteran safety and suicide prevention.

Waynesburg University hosted the event on Saturday, Aug. 15, helping promote the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' "Plan. Pause. Protect." campaign.

"Events such as these get veterans to come out to the community to a space that is open, welcoming and warm," explained Tawni Feeney, a second-year Ph.D. student at WU. "I think it just lets veterans know that we are here for them, we care and we're going to continue showing up for them."

According to Marietta, the campaign gave her and her fellow Ph.D. students the opportunity to volunteer as on-site counselors, support visitors and create safety plans for veterans seeking mental health resources.

"We provided support to participants and created safety plans/risk assessments with those interested," Marietta said. "Information obtained through the various groups and agencies present will be helpful for those I support through trauma therapy."

Patti Tanner, an expert in veterans' mental and behavioral health, gave a special presentation to open the challenging discussion on suicide and its prevention strategies. Feeney felt particularly impacted by the conversation.

"She was able to warm people up to talking about suicide prevention, share information and statistics and also share ways that everyone is responsible for suicide prevention," Feeney explained. "The presentation got everyone acclimated to the space and welcomed the attendees to explore the different activities while normalizing conversations around suicide."

Throughout the day, activities included creating safety plans and "Reasons for Living" workshops, where participants made magnets featuring photos of loved ones to place on their gun safe at home.

"I do think the workshops had an impact on suicide prevention, specifically for veterans and/or gun owners," shared Feeney. "It puts people in a space where they have to mentally check, 'Am I accessing my firearm in a clear and safe state of mind?'"

With community events like these, offering resources and normalizing discussion about suicide builds a network of safety and education for anyone who is struggling.

"It is important to understand the investment of so many to protect and defend the freedoms we possess," said Marietta. "As a spouse of a veteran and provider of trauma-specialized care, I appreciate events like this to create community that promotes safety, connection and support for those changed by their experiences."