STUDENT WELLNESS

We recognize that medical and graduate school can be stressful, and at times, can feel overwhelming. We support our students in their ability to manage stress, care for themselves, and to persist through the challenges that they will encounter in their training and careers. We endeavor that our students not just make it through, but thrive. We provide curricular programming that supports resiliency, growth mindset, and grit, as well as activities, events, and programming that supports a culture of camaraderie, community, and wellness.

Essential to our success is our partnership with the Well-Being Student Representatives from each class, as well as our partnership with numerous groups and efforts across the USU and across our National campus, facilitated by the School of Medicine Well-being Program Coordinator.

STUDENT WELLNESS ADVISORY BOARD

The Student Wellness Advisory Board (SWAB) serves as the heart of the Well-Being program. It ensures student awareness and oversight of wellness activities on campus, and partners with experts across the university community to provide activities and initiatives that address well-being. It also serves as a forum for new ideas and perspectives. The Board consists of elected student Well-Being representatives and faculty members from around the university and the Well-Being Program Coordinator. Students have access to the Well-Being Program Coordinator and class representatives to provide ideas or concerns for initiatives, interest groups, Capstone projects, and activities that might impact student wellbeing.

 

Uniformed Services University Student Wellness

 

Uniformed Services University Student Wellness

 

SOME OF OUR PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

Student Wellness Newsletter

We send a monthly newsletter with announcements, resources, short articles and activities on a range of topics related to wellness. Content is provided predominantly by students or other USU partners.

Podcast Series

The SWAB has partnered with OSA to develop a podcast series covering a range of topics related to student, military, and family life.

Annual Health and Wellness Fair

The SWAB, in collaboration with the Consortium for Health and Military Performance, hosts an annual campus-wide Health and Wellness Fair, focused on mind and body wellness for all faculty, staff, and students at USU.

Annual Student Appreciation BBQ

We host a university-wide BBQ held in the spring to celebrate the hard work and contributions of our students to USU. Besides food, the past BBQs have included a DJ, dunk tank, volleyball tournament, and tug of war.

Dog Visitation Program

We organize regular visits by the Red Cross Pet Visitation Program and the Walter Reed Facility Dog Program to provide comfort, support, and change of pace to our students around exam time, and at other key events and activities.

 

Uniformed Services University Student Wellness

 

Uniformed Services University Student Wellness

 

RESOURCES

Making Connections on Campus

  • Sign up for email updates from the USO
  • Team up with a friend in another department or class to organize a bowling night on base
  • If you are a student, join a Student Interest Group
  • Sign up for the MWR newsletter for updates on outings and activities
  • Follow USU on social media
  • Participate in a USU Spouses Club event
  • Start a lunchtime walking group
  • Attend USU Research Days

Health

  • University Family Health Clinic
  • Integrative Health and Wellness Services at Walter Reed 301-295-0105
    • Located within Internal Medicine at WR, their services include: Behavioral Health Consultation, Nutrition Counseling, Mind-Body Medicine, Tobacco Cessation, Acupuncture, and Sexual Health & Intimacy. Programs are open to all active duty members, retirees and beneficiaries and most do not require a referral.

Mental and Behavioral Health

External Mental Health Hotlines/Resources

  • Military One Source 1-800-342-9647
    • Confidential, free, 24/7,  short-term, non-medical counseling services for a wide range of issues from marital conflicts and stress management to coping with a loss and deployments.
  • Military Family Life Consultants (part of Military One Source) 1-800-342-9647
    • Confidential, free, 24/7, The Military and Family Life Counseling Program supports service members, their families and survivors with non-medical counseling worldwide. Trained to work with the military community, military and family life counselors deliver valuable face-to-face counseling services, briefings and presentations to the military community both on and off the installation.

External Crisis Support Resources

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Civilian Program) 800-273-8255
    • Confidential, free, 24/7, support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
  • Military Crisis Line , 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
    • Substance abuse & Suicide (civilian programs)
    • The Military Crisis Line, online chat, and text-messaging is a confidential, free, 24/7 service to all Service members, even if you are not registered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enrolled in VA health care.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline 1-800-662-4357
    • or TTY: 1-800-487-4889
    • A confidential, free, 24/7, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information
  • National Drug Helpline 1-800-633-3239
    • A confidential, free, 24/7 drug and alcohol help to those struggling with addiction. They are there to talk you through anything you may be struggling with. If you are ready to seek treatment for yourself or for a loved one, they can help you to navigate your options.

Fitness

  • MWR Fitness center 301-295-2450
    • MWR’s Fitness Center offers individual and group instruction from certified fitness professionals in cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, flexibility and nutrition. Group fitness classes include Body Pump, Body Flow, Zumba, Boot Camp, spinning, yoga and water aerobics. Free to Active Duty and modest fees for all other eligible Patrons members.

Family support

  • Child Development Center 301-400-1200
    • services include daycare, hourly care, 24/7 care, school liaison services and more
  • MWR
    • wide range of services and support for active duty and family members
  • Fleet and Family Support Center 301-319-4087
  • Military Family Life Consultants (part of Military One Source) 1-800-342-9647
    • Confidential, free, 24/7. The Military and Family Life Counseling Program supports service members, their families and survivors with non-medical counseling worldwide. Trained to work with the military community, military and family life counselors deliver valuable face-to-face counseling services, briefings and presentations to the military community both on and off the installation.

Academic support

  • Office of Student Affairs

Financial resources

  • AAMC Financial Wellness Portal
    • Financial wellness for medical school and beyond
  • Fleet and Family financial counselling 301-319-4087
    • Local financial counseling and support services available to students. The Fleet and Family Support Center of Naval Support Activity Bethesda offers a variety of opportunities for those interested in improving the management of their personal finances. Open to service members and their families, offerings include personalized financial counseling and training workshops that include but are not limited to the following topics:
      • Spending and budgeting plans
      • Credit and debt counseling
      • Car and home buying
      • Basic investments and Thrift Savings Plan

Other Wellness Resources