GRAND FORKS – Peer Vision for Mental Health in Minot has received a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation Building Healthier Rural Community (BUILD) Grants Program. The BUILD Program aims to transform the health and well-being of rural North Dakotans and address the social determinants of health affecting its communities.

Peer Vision for Mental Health was awarded $7,495 to reach into rural areas in the north central region of North Dakota to develop veteran peer support aimed at supporting rural veteran mental health and reducing rural veteran suicide rates.

“Peer Vision understands that the promotion of mental health and prevention of suicide begin with connection to others,” said Tamra Huesers, executive director of Peer Vision for Mental Health. “Through its Vets for Vets program, Peer Vision brings together veterans in an intentional way, through individual and group peer support and other activities, allowing them to support each other as they navigate life’s challenges. The Vets for Vets purpose statement expresses it best: ‘We recognize that sometimes we just need to be present with others who have had experiences similar to our own; to be seen and heard for who we are and what we’ve been through, and maybe to help others navigate those same rough waters.'”

The BCBSND Caring Foundation BUILD grants are housed within the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences. This is the 20th year these grants have been given to rural communities through CRH.