Janine Ribeiro Chow-Quan, Maria Hernandez, Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren, Suzette Fleischmann, Stephanie S. Covington, Silvia Quintana, David Scharf
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.
Sponsors included: Title Sponsor: Broward Behavioral Health Coalition; Presenting Sponsor: Signature Grand; Elite Sponsors: Baptist Health, Humana, Memorial Healthcare System and Project Opioid Broward; Premier Sponsors: Children’s Services Council, Florida Department of Children and Families and Synovus; Choice Sponsors: Banyan Health Systems, Broward Health, Hanley Foundation, Holy Cross Health and Palm Shores Behavioral Health Center; Display Sponsors: 211 Broward, Boys Town South Florida, Evolution Treatment Center and FHE Health, Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center; Larkin Community Hospital; The SPOT and Sunshine Health.
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 or follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/uwbccommission or on Twitter/Instagram @UWBC_Commission.
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.
