RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has received a $5,000 grant to help fund a variety of wellness initiatives on campus that include addressing mental health needs. 

The Hudson Hospital Foundation presented UW-River Falls with that funding Monday to expand the university’s continuing mental health efforts and other wellness programs. UW-River Falls Foundation President Amy Zimmer received a check in that amount along with members of the university’s Engagement Committee that sought the grant funding.

“We were thrilled to learn the grant had been approved by the Hudson Hospital Foundation to support campus wellness activities,” Zimmer said. “We are so grateful to them for making this important investment in our university.”

The additional dollars will enable the expansion of wellness-related activities to a greater campus population, Zimmer said. The funds will support not only mental health but personal wellbeing, nutrition, and physical activity programs for the campus’ employees and 5,000 students. 

Throughout the year, the Engagement Committee will provide opportunities related to the funding, such as events, speakers, social activities, wellness seminars, and mental health training. Some wellness activities made possible by the grant will include mental health offerings, a continuation of efforts in recent months to boost mental health availability on campus. 

Committee members hope the activities they organize “can lead to healthier and positive lifestyles, longevity, and an overall positive mentality,” the grant application states. Committee member Mesa Carlsen said she applied for the grant to expand the availability of programs that teach healthy practices at UW-River Falls.

“I wanted to apply for a grant that could cover more of the costs associated with putting on these healthy events for our campus,” she said. “We’re trying to find ways to help people de-stress and build healthier lifestyles.”

In addition to expanded wellness offerings, the Engagement Committee focuses on areas such as employee wellness, networking opportunities, recognition, volunteer opportunities and increasing employees’ connection to the university.

Submitted by UW-River Falls