U.S. Vice Admiral and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., visited Metropolitan State University of Denver on March 3 to host a roundtable with Auraria students focused on mental health. Murthy was appointed the surgeon general in March 2021 and immediately published a health advisory on protecting youth mental health.  

In addition to MSU Denver students, University of Colorado Denver and Community College of Denver students were invited to participate. All student participants work and/or advocate in the realm of youth/young-adult mental health through internship placements, community work, volunteerism, etc. 

The conversation with Murthy centered on understanding what MSU Denver, UCD and CCD students are observing in their work, among their communities and in themselves as it relates to mental-health needs. There were dialogue around the opportunities and challenges within solutions, discussion of available resources, insight into best practices that Murthy has observed and seen work and a chance for Murthy to share some of his personal story and how it connects to his work in this realm. 

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MSU Denver hosts a roundtable discussion with Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, and students from three institutions, MSU Denver, CCD and CU Denver on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at JSSB. Photo by Alyson McClaran

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MSU Denver hosts a roundtable discussion with Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, and students from three institutions, MSU Denver, CCD and CU Denver on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at JSSB. Photo by Alyson McClaran

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MSU Denver President, Dr. Janine Davidson, speaks during a roundtable discussion with Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, and students from three institutions, MSU Denver, CCD and CU Denver on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at JSSB. Photo by Alyson McClaran

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MSU Denver student, Michael Warner, speaks during a roundtable discussion with Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at JSSB. Photo by Alyson McClaran

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MSU Denver hosts a roundtable discussion with Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, and students from three institutions, MSU Denver, CCD and CU Denver on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at JSSB. Photo by Alyson McClaran

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MSU Denver student, Moranda Ramirez, speaks during a roundtable discussion with Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at JSSB. Photo by Alyson McClaran

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Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General has a conversation with CU Denver student, Nikkeria Murphy, on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at JSSB. Photo by Alyson McClaran