THIRD ANNUAL PALM BEACH COUNTY DRUG ABUSE SUMMIT IS A SUCCESS
Program garners support from government agencies, community thought leaders and more
(Jupiter, Fla.) Nearly 150 concerned members of the public gathered recently to explore the current state of mental health and drug abuse at the third annual Palm Beach County Drug Abuse Summit. The free discussion was open to the public, thanks to co-hosts Hanley Center Foundation, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation, and included panels featuring prominent members of the healthcare and law enforcement communities, scientists, elected officials, educators and other community leaders. The half-day discussion took place at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience on Tuesday, December 9.
“The Palm Beach County Drug Abuse Summit’s mission is to effectively inform and educate the local community about the impact of mental health and substance abuse,” said Dr. Rachel Docekal, CEO of Hanley Center Foundation. “The partnership between so many different agencies was impressive. We are grateful to our co-hosts and the esteemed panel participants, who recognize the importance of collaboration to improve awareness, treatment options and community education. We hope this event incites a continued impactful discussion of issues and solutions.”
In its third year, the Summit continues to grow. Presented in the past by Hanley Center Foundation and the Sherriff’s office, the addition of Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation allowed for an expanded conversation to include mental health issues in Palm Beach County.
“Disease is personal – whether it is you, your spouse, your child, a friend or neighbor,” said Barbara Suflas Noble, Max Planck Foundation CEO. “As a community it is our responsibility to become more aware, more informed and better educated on resources, treatments and research in rising and devastating conditions effecting us all. Our researchers are committed to doing their part to impact our local community, which is why we were proud to co-host this important and necessary event and we are grateful to Hanley Center Foundation for initiating this collaboration.”
The Summit included three different panel topics, with several different experts featured in each panel, and was moderated by WPTV NewsChannel 5 Anchor Michael Williams.
Sponsors included: Presenting Sponsor Florida Power & Light Company and Corporate Sponsor Origins Recovery Centers.
For more information about the Palm Beach County Drug Abuse Summit or other Hanley Center Foundation events, please visit www.hanleycenterfoundation.org or send an email inquiry to sarah@hanleycenterfoundation.org.