On September 7th, The University of Michigan welcomed community relations guests to the Regents’ and President’s Tailgate ahead of the Michigan vs Army game. This event offered guests an opportunity to talk with University of Michigan President Mark Schissel, Vice President for Government Relations Cynthia Wilbanks, and other members of University leadership. Also featured at the event were a number of initiatives that support the military and our veterans. Representatives from the following programs shared their work:
Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care
Each year, 1.7 million people sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): disruption in brain function often caused by head trauma. Department of Defense service members and families represent the largest U.S. population suffering from the effects of TBI. In addition, hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield and in civilian trauma. Through a collaborative partnership, between the U.S. Army’s Combat Casualty Care Research Program and the University of Michigan’s Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care, new innovations in therapeutics, diagnostic devices, and digital health solutions will transform the way we diagnose, treat, and monitor TBI and hemorrhagic shock.
Professor Kevin R. Ward, Director of Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care. Dr. Ward is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps.
“MCIRCC is honored to have the tremendous privilege of bringing the Michigan difference to improve the combat casualty care we provide our heroes on the battlefield”. – Professor Kevin R. Ward
Michigan Concussion Center
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention considers concussions (mild traumatic brain injury) an epidemic. Four million concussions occur each year in the United States, and University of Michigan researchers, clinicians, and educators at the Michigan Concussion Center are focus on addressing the concussion crisis that has emerged over the previous decade.
From left to right: Research Core Director, James Eckner; Concussion Center Director Steve Broglio; graduate student, Allyssa Memmini; and Deputy Director Carrie Morton
“The university has a long history of research excellence, and we’re looking forward to bringing together forward-thinking faculty and staff to move the needle on concussion research. I believe the Center will contribute important findings to the national and international concussion discussion.” – Director Steve Broglio
Military Support Programs and Networks
Military Support Programs and Networks (M-SPAN) is a portfolio of initiatives within the University of Michigan Depression Center and Department of Psychiatry dedicated to military and veteran mental health and wellness. M-SPAN integrates innovative approaches to outreach, overcoming stigma, and decreasing isolation, and includes the design and delivery of programs for service members, veterans and military families. Programs include:
- Buddy-to-Buddy: Outreach, support, and linkage to resources for service members and veterans
- Peer Advisors for Veteran Education: Outreach, peer support, and linkage to resources for student veterans returning to college on the Post 9-11 GI Bill
- Strong Military Families: Parenting skills and support for military and veteran families with young children
- HomeFront Strong: Resiliency and positive coping skills for military and veteran spouses and partners
- After Her Service: Resiliency skills and professional development for Post-9/11 female veterans
Alyssa Wealty, University of Michigan Depression Center Communication Specialist
“Outreach is a major part of our mission, so participating in the President’s and Regents Tailgate is a wonderful way to share our work with lots of new people within the UM community.” – Alyssa Wealty, M-SPAN Communications and Marketing Manager
Veteran and Military Services
The mission of the Veteran and Military Services program is to assist military-connected students in their transition to and success at the University of Michigan. The program operates from the Office of Enrollment Management and helps students through outreach, resource direction, peer-to-peer mentoring, workshops, events, advocacy and support for Veteran and Military affiliated student organizations.
Philip Larson, Program Director Veteran and Military Services and Alberto Acosta, Student Orientation Assistant
“We believe Veteran and Military students, faculty and staff are an important part of the University’s larger DEI community.” – Phil Larson, Program Director of Veteran and Military Services.
