Hanley Foundation is hosting a free event to help first responders, active military personnel, and veterans seek resources for mental health and addiction at the South Florida First Responder Wellness Summit on Tuesday, May 6. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight mental health challenges faced by our patriots, which often contribute to substance use disorders (SUD).
The event will connect participants with fellow first responders to discuss helpful programs and tools that address trauma, depression, suicide, traumatic brain injury, SUD, and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Special guest speakers include two daughters of firefighters who died by suicide, Naomi Del Tergo and Larissa Marchsteiner.
Hanley Foundation recently launched a new program for first responders and military members, called the Patriots Initiative. It is one of the few programs nationally that utilizes trauma-focused and research-affirmed treatment, treating co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions, along with substance use disorders. The Patriots Initiative is currently open to veterans, active military personnel, and first responders with SUD and mental health issues.
WHAT: South Florida First Responder Wellness Summit hosted by Hanley Foundation
WHEN: Tuesday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, 2100 N. Florida Mango Rd.,
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
MORE INFORMATION: Speakers at the summit include Steve Campana, Hanley Foundation First Responder Liaison; Joel F. Brier, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Service Representative; Dr. John Dyben, DHSc, MCAP, CMHP, Chief Clinical Officer at Hanley Foundation; and Tiffany Gordon, MS, MHC, a primary therapist at Hanley Foundation. The speakers will discuss topics such as PTSD, behavioral health, whole-person wellness, suicide awareness, and peer support.
To sign up for the South Florida First Responder Wellness Summit, visit
hanleyfoundation.org/events/south-florida-first-responder-wellness-summit/.
