Events

On May 14-15, NAMI Keystone PA hosted its annual Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference, Crisis Response Across the Continuum: Building a System That Works for Everyone. The two-day event examined how to build a comprehensive and compassionate behavioral health crisis system that involves community stakeholders from diverse populations.  

Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, delivered opening remarks. Keynote presentations included Building a 21st Century Crisis System and The Value of the Peer and Family Voice in Crisis Services. NAMI Keystone PA CEO Christine Michaels presented on the state and federal public policy priorities and there was also a panel discussion on Answering the Call: Addressing Trauma and Crisis Through Advocacy in the Black Community. 
 

Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, PA Dept. of Human Services	NKPA CEO Debbie Ference, Keynote Speaker Dr. Margie Balfour, NKPA Board First VP, Dr. Charma D. Dudley	Panel Discussion: Answering the Call: Addressing Trauma and Crisis Through Advocacy in the Black Community

Following the conference, PA Advocates for Whole Health and Wellness hosted Advocacy Day PA 2024, which included a mental health awareness rally and march around the state capitol in Harrisburg. Speakers included Rep. Dan Miller, mental health advocate Joan Erney, and NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania CEO Christine Michaels.

Watch Chris's Speech
 

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