LSU Vet Med highlights the importance of mental health awareness with dedicated week
April 20, 2026
Students and staff making art in an “Art Break for All” art-making session.
For Mental Health Awareness Week at LSU Vet Med, the Office of Wellbeing will host a series of wellness-focused events open to students, house officers, staff, faculty, and graduate students April 27-May 1.
“Mental health is generally still stigmatized, so putting it at the forefront with a dedicated week is a way to normalize mental health conversations,” said Kayla Baudoin, wellbeing manager.
The Office of Wellbeing offers mental health support through crisis intervention, consultations, and referrals. Through ongoing wellbeing presentations, creative outlets, the Community Champion of the Month program, faculty and staff awards, and appreciation weeks, LSU Vet Med works to create a sense of belonging within its community.
Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off on April 27 with a lunch and learn featuring Dr. Tanner Boots, who will speak about building skills in communication and confidence for a successful future. On April 28, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk will explain how to care for mental health as a veterinary student and beyond.
The week continues with “Art Break for All,” an art-making experience in collaboration with Dr. Callie Smith, educator and public programs manager at LSU Museum of Art, on April 29. The following day, Dr. Gerardo Navas will provide a talk centering around mindfulness and Mary Claire Deloney-Salvaggio will lead two yoga sessions later that evening. The week will conclude with a lunch and learn featuring Dr. Logan Curtis speaking about managing mental wellness in a clinic setting.
“Presentations from different perspectives allow us to find personal ways to incorporate good mental health practices,” Baudoin said. “My hope is that everyone will take away at least one gem of information they can integrate into their daily, weekly, or even monthly routine.”
LSU Vet Med thanks sponsors of the week: Alliance Animal Health, Banfield Pet Hospital, Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative, National Veterinary Associates, VEG ER for Pets, Mission Pet Health, CityVet, NAVE Veterinary Group, as well as the speakers. To view the full schedule for the week, visit the LSU Vet Med website.