The University of Wyoming will host a wellness forum on Tuesday, December 3, featuring Governor Mark Gordon discussing The Wy We Care initiative, a statewide collaborative effort aimed at reducing suicide risk and promoting mental health. This initiative brings together state government, local community teams, and private sector providers in a comprehensive effort to address mental health challenges across Wyoming.

The forum, held in the Wyoming Union Ballroom from 5:30 to 7 p.m., is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. The evening will include a fireside discussion featuring Governor Gordon, Suicidologist/Psychologist Dr. Kent Corso, and UW Violence Prevention Coordinator Bob Vines. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session following the discussion.

Bob Vines will also share his personal story of mental health challenges during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vines, a recognized advocate for violence prevention and storytelling, brings a wealth of experience in addressing issues of trauma and mental health in Wyoming communities.

This event is sponsored by the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming (ASUW), the Dean of Students Office, the Violence Prevention Center, and Student Wellness. It is part of an ongoing series of mental health awareness events at UW.

Upcoming activities include:

• Evening of Storytelling: Wednesday, December 4, at Pokes Pub, starting at 6 p.m.
• Union After Dark Beard Shave: Friday, December 6, as part of Union After Dark activities.

For more information, visit [university website/event page link if applicable].

About Bob Vines
Bob Vines, the Violence Prevention Coordinator at the University of Wyoming, has spent much of his career advocating for mental health and violence prevention. His extensive background includes working as a Primary Prevention Specialist with the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, a victim’s advocate for the Washakie County Attorney’s Office, and a longtime Wyoming journalist and editor. Vines has received numerous accolades, including the NSVRC Visionary Voice Award in 2018 for his work in violence prevention with high school coaches.

In addition to his professional roles, Vines curates storytelling events across Wyoming and has hosted The Men Speak Podcast. He also serves on the Wyoming Sexual Violence Prevention Council and collaborates with Futures Without Violence on campus engagement strategies.

This event provides an important opportunity to engage with leaders and experts in the mental health field and to foster greater awareness and dialogue around mental well-being in Wyoming.