How can we better serve those who serve and have served us? This question challenges us to think about those who gave much and those who gave all, to serve our communities and nation. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased stress to our veterans, medical service workers, first responders, families, and communities. All too often, the psychological trauma experienced by those on the front lines is suffered in silence. The aftereffects of service bring the hardship home. By embracing honest discussion and developing strong support networks, winning the battle against these harrowing challenges is possible. 

Dr. William P. Nash, MD, clinical psychiatrist at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and consultant to the UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence and the United Nations, joined us as this year’s keynote speaker. Dr. Nash shared from his experience working with combat and occupational stress injuries. In addition to Dr. Nash's keynote presentations, we held morning and afternoon breakout sessions addressing these topics. Select sessions were available for social work CEU credit. 

The Hidden Wounds of War Conference was hosted by the Hauenstein Center in partnership with Grand Valley State University’s Peter F. Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center, the West Michigan Veterans Coalition, and the Kent County Veteran Services Office.

Thursday, May 12, 2022

8:00 AM Breakfast and Registration

9:00 AM Welcome and Dr. Nash Morning Keynote

11:00 AM Morning Breakout Sessions

12:30 PM Lunch Break

1:30 PM Dr. Nash Afternoon Keynote

3:15 PM Afternoon Breakout Sessions