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Hosted by 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
More than 800 mental-health and prevention professionals gathered at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale on May 21-22 for the 10th Annual South Florida Behavioral Health Conference: The Power of Prevention, presented by United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention in partnership with Broward Behavioral Health Coalition (BBHC) and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Over two full days, national thought leaders—including former U.S. Congressman and mental-health champion Patrick J. Kennedy, narrative strategist Joseph Green, and neurodiversity activist Alix Generous—joined experts from across the country to deliver continuing-education sessions, workshops and keynotes across themed tracks: Emerging Trends; Self-Care & Resiliency; Infant & Youth Mental Health; Faith-Based Approaches; Trauma-Responsive Care & Suicide Prevention; Recovery Strategies and more. Licensed clinicians and certified professionals earned valuable CEU credits while exchanging best practices and forging new partnerships.
Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO of United Way of Broward County, spotlighted the impactful efforts of Untied Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention.
“Prevention isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation of a healthy community,” said Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO of United Way of Broward County. “By equipping the people who deliver our wide spectrum of human services with cutting-edge training, we strengthen every life they touch. This Conference—the stats, and the new initiatives unveiled—show the extraordinary progress we can achieve when community, academia, philanthropy, and government move forward together.”
In addition, Vanessa James, CEO of Vanessa James Media, emceed the event, guiding attendees through the 40 breakout sessions and panel discussions. Interactive exhibits showcased innovative digital tools, peer-support models and trauma-informed practices, and critical networking facilitated partnerships among providers, researchers, educators and policy makers striving for integrated, prevention-focused care.
Marking a decade of impact, United Way of Broward County also introduced three groundbreaking programs designed to expand prevention and care across the community:
- United for Seniors – A bilingual (English/Spanish) platform that combats social isolation through virtual and in-person engagement, resource navigation and volunteer check-ins for older adults.
- Path Forward Scholarship Program – A pilot program created with the Celia Farris Foundation and in collaboration with multiple local universities and colleges, that fully funds supervision, coursework and exam fees so social workers, marriage & family therapists and mental-health counselors can complete their clinical licensure while committing to serve Broward County residents.
- Emerging Minds PhD Fellowship – A three-year, fully funded doctoral fellowship with Florida Atlantic University’s Sandler School of Social Work supporting candidates whose research advances United Way priorities in behavioral health, substance-use disorders, homelessness, veterans’ services and suicide prevention.
“These new initiatives are our promise that prevention remains at the heart of everything we do,” said Maria Hernandez, Chief Program Officer for United Way of Broward County, as she announced the programs from the main stage. “By connecting isolated seniors, equipping future clinicians, and sparking evidence-based research, we are building a healthier Broward for decades to come.”
For more information about United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention or to learn how to get involved in the newly announced programs, please visit DrugFreeBroward.org.
Event sponsors included Broward Behavioral Health Coalition (BBHC), Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Baptist Health South Florida, UKG, and Memorial Healthcare System.
About United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention
United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention (UWBCCBH) is a broad-based substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion coalition dedicated to reducing negative consequences on individuals, families, and communities. Today, its primary role is to serve as a coalition-building organization that brokers partnerships between federal, state and local agencies to foster, develop, and enhance integrated behavioral health efforts throughout Broward County, while searching for innovative and effective ways to address the issue of substance misuse. Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention is a vital component of United Way of Broward County’s three impact areas (health, education and financial prosperity) focused on the solutions to close gaps in services and create a better life for all. For more information please visit www.drugfreebroward.org
About Broward Behavioral Health Coalition
Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, Inc. (BBHC) is currently celebrating 10 years of supporting behavioral health and wellness in the community, while dedicated to destigmatizing mental healthcare, and ensuring a collaborative, comprehensive, and responsive system of care in Broward County. BBHC provides a comprehensive system of care for substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders for individuals in Broward County. As a nonprofit organization, BBHC serves as the state-funded managing entity and also manages local and national grants to develop evidence-based practices for providers and persons served. To learn more about the BBHC, call (954) 622-8121 or please visit www.bbhcflorida.org.
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