Sharing Support and Awareness: UIW Hosts “Taco-bout Mental Health” Event

On Thursday, Aug. 4, UIW's Behavioral Health Services hosted its "Taco-bout Mental Health" event in honor of Suicide Awareness Month on the Broadway Campus. The annual event presents an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and community members to become more knowledgeable about aspects related to mental health while simultaneously enjoying delicious street tacos provided by local food truck Tacos al Cabron Cabron.

During the event, attendees were encouraged to roam Westgate Circle where they were able to meet with representatives from mental health organizations present both on campus and within the community. With each interaction, guests became more aware of the resources available to provide them with support, emphasizing that they and others who may be struggling are never alone.

"The purpose of Let's Taco bout Mental Health is to bring awareness to the multitude of mental health resources that UIW and the surrounding San Antonio community offer for our students and employees," shared Dr. Kevin Milligan, director of Behavioral Health Services. "We want to make students and employees aware of the support that is available to them if they are struggling and having some difficulties. The event allows us to have that conversation in a fun, exciting and non-judgmental way to help break the stigma of mental health being a negative thing, when it is normal to have struggles and resources are available to provide support."

With the subject of mental health often carrying a stigma, Milligan was pleased to see that students embraced interacting with vendors and were excited to participate in the event's activities. He noted that Taco-bout Mental Health can often lead to students feeling more capable of engaging in difficult conversations and to admitting that its "okay not to be okay." Seeing attendees seek support following the event often indicates to Milligan that people leave feeling more comfortable seeking help than perhaps before attending the event.

"I'd like to share with the students and employees that it is okay to seek help when you need it," expressed Milligan. "Starting a new academic year brings with it a lot of excitement and opportunity, but also a lot of anxiety, frustration and unforeseen difficulties, so getting that support and gaining those tools to better help us navigate the difficulties we face, will better help you to feel a sense of control and empowerment as you go throughout the rigors of the academic year."

If you have any questions about Behavioral Health Services, please call the front desk at (210) 832-5656, visit their website or email Dr. Kevin Milligan, director of Behavioral Health, at [email protected].

If you would like to refer a student to Behavioral Health for counseling, you can complete the referral form at this link.