Submitted by Aimee Adler Cooke
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – On May 9 and 10, 2023, United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention, in collaboration with the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, and the Florida Department of Children and Families, hosted the record-breaking 8th Annual Behavioral Health Conference: The Power of Prevention at Signature Grand in Davie. The annual event promoted community awareness and the support of behavioral health and substance use prevention.
More than 600 of Broward’s behavioral health professionals came together during the two-day conference to learn from thought leaders in behavioral health, network with industry peers, and discuss issues related to research, policy and practice.
During the event, the
organizations also celebrated Broward Behavioral Health Coalition’s (BBHC) 10th anniversary. For a decade, BBHC has been advocating, providing for, and ensuring an effective and efficient behavioral health system of care in Broward County. Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) for mental health and substance abuse treatment, support, and prevention services from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), has served over 2.8 million clients since it was founded.
Speakers included Maria Hernandez, Chief Program Officer of United Way of Broward County; Broward County Vice Mayor Nan Rich, Board Chair of the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition; and Silvia Quintana, CEO of the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition. Keynote presenters included Dr. Stephanie Covington, Ph.D., LCSW, M Abeo and Yolo Akili Robinson. Other speakers included renowned psychologists, professors, trauma and grief specialists, leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) experts, and prevention specialists who provided crucial continuing education. Vanessa James served as the Mistress of Ceremonies on both days.
