RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has received a $5,000 grant to fund a variety of on-campus health initiatives, including addressing mental health needs.
The Hudson Hospital Foundation awarded the funding to River Falls College on Monday to expand the college’s ongoing mental health efforts and other wellness programs. Amy Zimmer, president of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Foundation, received a check in that amount, along with members of the university’s engagement committee that sought the grant.
“I was thrilled to learn that the Hudson Hospital Foundation had approved a grant to support campus wellness activities,” Zimmer said. “We are very grateful to them for making this important investment in our university.”
The additional funding will allow for the expansion of wellness-related activities to more campus residents, Zimmer said. The fund will support mental health as well as personal health, nutrition and physical activity programs for campus staff and her 5,000 students.
Throughout the year, the Engagement Committee offers fundraising-related opportunities including events, speakers, social activities, wellness seminars, and mental health training. Among the wellness activities enabled by the grant will be mental health offerings, a continuation of efforts in recent months to increase mental health availability on campus.
Committee members hope the activities they organize will “lead to healthier, more positive lifestyles, longer lives, and an overall positive mindset,” the grant application states. Committee member Mesa Carlsen said she applied for the grant to expand the availability of a program that teaches healthy habits at the University of California, River Falls.
“We wanted to apply for a grant that could cover many of the costs associated with hosting these healthy events on our campus,” she said. “We’re trying to find ways to help people relieve stress and build healthier lifestyles.”
In addition to expanding wellness services, the Engagement Committee focuses on areas such as employee wellness, networking opportunities, recognition, volunteer opportunities, and strengthening employee connections with the university.
Submitted by University of California, River Falls
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Wisconsin – River Falls;
Hudson Hospital Foundation;
River Falls Foundation of Wisconsin;
health and wellness,
mental health needs
