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ÍøÆسԹÏ’s Department of Human Services and Counseling and recently brought together students, faculty, healthcare professionals and community members for two days of learning and collaboration. Inside the Ranks: Advancing Military & Veteran Cultural Responsiveness offered 16 Nursing Continuing Professional Development continuing education credits for participants who attended both days.

Dr Leah Jackson, DBH, LCSW, LAC, provided a reflection on the event. 

As I reflect on the Military & Veteran Cultural Responsiveness & and Question, Persuade, & Refer (QPR) Professional Development event, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success.

What began as a shared vision became a meaningful gathering of students, faculty, healthcare professionals, community members and stakeholders committed to strengthening support for service members, veterans and their families. Through the collaborative efforts of ÍøÆسԹÏ’s Department of Human Services & Counseling and UCHealth Next Chapter, the event demonstrated what is possible when people come together in service of a greater purpose.

Over the course of two days, participants engaged in thoughtful conversations about military culture, veteran well-being, cultural responsiveness, suicide prevention and community collaboration. They also explored the military service journey, the diversity of military experiences, behavioral health, the power of presence and QPR. The depth of engagement, willingness to learn and openness to diverse perspectives created an environment that was both enriching and impactful. Beyond the content itself, the event cultivated meaningful connections and reminded us that lasting change often begins with understanding, relationship-building and a commitment to continuous growth.

I was especially honored to welcome Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, whose participation and opening remarks set the stage for an impactful and memorable event. The lieutenant governor recognized the collaborative efforts of ÍøÆسԹÏ’s Department of Human Services & Counseling, UCHealth Next Chapter, community providers and community members dedicated to supporting service members, veterans and their families.

She spoke to the importance of understanding the human experience behind military service and emphasized that lasting progress is achieved when education, healthcare, government and community organizations unite around a common purpose. Her remarks served as a meaningful reminder that connection, curiosity and collaboration remain central to culturally responsive care and community well-being.

Throughout her remarks, the lieutenant governor encouraged participants to look beyond assumptions and engage with empathy, openness and a genuine desire to understand the experiences of those who have served. She also highlighted the vital role of higher education, behavioral health professionals and community organizations in preparing future generations to serve military-connected individuals and families.

By emphasizing the value of diverse expertise, innovation and cross-sector collaboration, her message reinforced that meaningful progress is achieved when organizations and disciplines contribute their unique strengths in service of a shared goal.

The themes reflected in the lieutenant governor’s remarks were evident throughout the event and in the relationships that were formed and strengthened over the two days. Meaningful progress is rarely the result of one organization, one discipline or one individual acting alone. Rather, it emerges when people bring their knowledge, perspectives and passion together in pursuit of something larger than themselves.

The momentum generated throughout this experience reflected the extraordinary potential that emerges when innovation, collaboration and purpose intersect. It demonstrated what is possible when diverse voices come together with a shared commitment to learning, service and community impact. The connections established, perspectives exchanged and ideas explored during the event will continue to shape this work and influence future efforts to support service members, veterans and their families.

Perhaps the greatest takeaway from this experience is the reminder that meaningful change begins with people. Every conversation, new connection and perspective exchanged contributed to something larger than any one organization or individual could accomplish alone.

As I reflect on the relationships strengthened and the possibilities created over these two days, I am grateful for the time, expertise and passion each of you invested in this work. I look forward to seeing how the conversations, partnerships and shared commitment that emerged from this event continue to translate into meaningful action on behalf of service members, veterans and their families.