ABOUT THE SUMMIT

The second annual East Texas Behavioral Health Summit is free and open to the public. Held on May 6, the summit features inspiring speakers sharing personal stories about overcoming mental health challenges and discussing ongoing efforts to improve mental healthcare in East Texas. Attendees will be able to connect with dozens of community organizations offering resources for mental health support.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. See the itinerary below for the day’s slate of activities, including two workshops held in the morning, offering continuing education credits.

“We are thrilled to host this important event, which shines a light on the challenges our community faces and celebrates real stories of resilience and recovery in mental healthcare,” said Lynn Rutland, CEO of Andrews Behavioral Health. “The summit reflects our commitment to bringing together individuals and organizations to work collaboratively on solutions to the complex issues posed by mental illness.”

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Keynote speaker Doug Smith will give a message of hope based on his own lived experience. Doug suffered from mental illness and substance abuse for years and was eventually incarcerated as a result. Doug got help and turned his life around, becoming highly educated and accomplished. He now serves an advisor on mental health for the State of Texas.

A FOCUS ON CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH

Josh Tomlin, a Whitehouse native and former pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, who won the 2021 World Series while Josh was on their roster.  Josh has a special interest in children’s mental health and will share an inspiring message.
 
Andrews will be making an important announcement that ties into the message from Josh. From 4-5, the community resource show continues.
 
Join us for an exciting afternoon as we come together the share the hope and promise of a community working to solve the crisis of mental health.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE PROVIDERS

If you are interested in having a community resource table, please contact  nlestage@andrewscenter.com

SUMMIT ITINERARY

Morning Workshops
Educational credits will be provided for both classes..

8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Mental Health First Aid
Learn practical skills to assist those experiencing mental health challenges. To register, email tknighton@andrewscenter.com

8:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Brighter Future Symposium (focused on children)
Presented by Smith County Behavioral Health Leadership Team and Champions for Children. For registration information, visit https://bit.ly/42mkj0Y


Afternoon Highlights
Doors open at noon for the main Summit event, featuring a community resource show with even more vendors than last year. Also, food trucks will be onsite at lunch and early afternoon. The afternoon events are free, but registration is required; click on the main graphic at the top of this page.

The resource show will close at 1:45 so guests can be seated in the main hall for our presentation from 2-4 p.m., featuring:

Doug Smith, MSSW, ACC: Doug shares his powerful journey from battling mental illness and substance abuse—leading to time in prison—to becoming a treatment success story, consultant, and advisor to the State of Texas.

Josh Tomlin is a Whitehouse native and former Atlanta Braves pitcher, who was on the team roster during their 2021 World Series win. Josh brings a unique perspective on children’s mental health.

Lynn Rutland and Becki Mangum sharing the latest news and developments at Andrews Behavioral Health.

The main presentation concludes at 4 p.m., but the resource show continues until 5 p.m.