RiverValley Behavioral Health is inviting veterans, military families, and community partners to help shape the future of services for those who have served through a new Veterans Forum later this month.
The forum is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 22 at RiverValley Center, 1100 Walnut Street in Owensboro. Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military families, veteran service organizations, employers, and community leaders are encouraged to attend. Brunch will be provided.
The event comes as RiverValley expands services through its Veterans Services Unit, which provides support tailored to veterans, active-duty military members, and their families across western Kentucky.
According to RiverValley, the forum will give attendees an opportunity to learn about available resources, share feedback, identify service gaps, explore partnerships, and help strengthen support systems for veterans and military families.
“At RiverValley Behavioral Health, we are honored to serve the men and women who have served our nation and the families who stand beside them,” President and CEO Dr. Wanda Figueroa said. “This forum is about listening. We want to hear directly from veterans and military families so we can better understand their needs, strengthen partnerships, and build services that truly make a difference.”
The Veterans Services Unit includes veterans and mental health professionals who work with military-connected individuals on issues such as mental health, substance use recovery, care coordination, and transition support.
Services available through the program include crisis support, peer support, family education, housing and employment assistance, and connections to Veterans Affairs and other community resources.
“Supporting veterans and military families starts with listening,” said Dr. Lionel Phelps, RiverValley’s vice president of population health. “This forum gives us an opportunity to hear directly from the people we serve, learn where gaps exist, and work together to strengthen support across our region.”
Veterans Care Coordinator Cody Burns, a veteran himself, said the initiative is intended to help veterans and their families find support more easily.
“As a veteran, I understand that asking for help isn’t always easy,” Burns said. “Whether someone is facing behavioral health challenges, substance use concerns, difficulties transitioning to civilian life, or simply doesn’t know where to turn, we want them to know they don’t have to navigate it alone.”
RiverValley said the forum is part of a broader effort to expand specialized services and strengthen partnerships serving veterans and military families throughout the region.
