SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University continues to gear up its services for military veterans, including expanded services available from its Student Veterans Resource Center and the Telehealth Services system along with the formation of a statewide student veterans association.

“We have nearly 300 veterans enrolled as students at SRU. Many of them are non-traditional, over the age 25, and working full time, often with families. So meeting their needs requires special attention,” said Laurel Dagnon, director of programming for the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership.

Last spring, in conjunction with the Butler Veterans Hospital, SRU established space both in the Smith Student Center and the McLachlan Student Health Center that allows veterans to link to the VA’s Telehealth system and Veterans Affairs health benefits system online.

SRU veterans can use the on-campus system to reach mental health counselors online. The computers, equipped with video and sound capabilities, are in private areas of the student and health centers, allowing veterans to talk openly about mental health issues, then receive appropriate counseling.

Veterans wanting to use the nationwide system, receive an appointment and password. The online system saves the veteran from having to travel to VA facilities for services.

SRU’s Student Veterans Center in the Smith Student Center provides resources veterans may need.