HAHarvey Walden
6 hours agoLocal Mental Health Symposium Announced for 2026
Daytona Beach, FL — May 13, 2026 — Community members, mental health professionals, and advocates are invited to attend the 11th Annual Who is Jay? Mental Health Symposium, a full-day event dedicated to “Reframing the Conversation, Improving Care.” The symposium will take place Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
Presented by the SMA Healthcare Foundation and Jay’s Hope Fund, this annual event serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness, reducing stigma, and strengthening community support around mental health.
The symposium will feature a morning keynote by internationally recognized clinical psychologist Dr. Xavier Amador, President of the LEAP Institute and author of I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help. Attendees will also experience an inspiring fireside chat between Dese’Rae L. Stage, LCSW, a suicide awareness activist and creator of Live Through This, and Christina Watkins, WESH 2 News anchor, children’s author, and mental health advocate.
Throughout the day, participants can engage in breakout sessions covering critical topics such as suicide prevention, caregiver stress, nutrition and mental health, social media impacts, hypnotherapy, and recovery-oriented cognitive therapy. The event also includes networking opportunities, meet-and-greets with featured speakers, and access to the Care Partners Connections Studio, a dedicated vendor and resource area connecting attendees with local organizations and services.
Up to four continuing education units (CEUs) are available for qualified professionals, making the symposium both an educational and community-centered experience.
“This symposium reflects our community’s shared commitment to improving mental health care and supporting individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges,” said Jennifer Secor, CFRE, Executive Director of the SMA Healthcare Foundation. “By bringing together experts, advocates, and community partners, we are creating meaningful conversations that inspire understanding, connection, and hope.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to support mental health initiatives and connect with attendees. Vendor space is also available within the Care Partners Connections Studio, offering a unique opportunity to share resources and engage directly with the community.
Registration is open to the public, with discounted rates available for NAMI members, students and early registrants. For more information, to register, or to inquire about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, visit www.WhoisJay.org or contact Cyndi Hines, PR & Events Manager, at [email protected] or 386-254-1136.
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