The Bi-Annual Rural Mental Health and Substance Misuse Summit held on May 15, 2025, at Canvas Church geared up to be the best summit yet! With over 280 people in attendance, filling the church with laughter, learning and lots of networking. As you entered the foyer you were greeted with smiles to check in and provide you with agendas, a swag bag and a complimentary gun lock provided by Veteran Affairs. Sponsor tables lined the hallway providing free prevention items and a wealth of information. Free Narcan, Deterra and medicine lock boxes were distributed throughout the day. With both a faith and a behavioral health track, attendees were able to choose which session they would like to attend.
Whether you were looking for information and training on new programs or processes and services provided by DCF, CarePortal and Better Together, you were immersed in a world of professionals looking to reach their communities and those in need in new innovative ways. We heard a riveting testimonial from Zach Zedar and a firsthand perspective from our Fire Rescue friends on the paramedicine panel. Coming together for lunch and our virtual keynote speaker, Dr. Stephen Loyd. We wrapped up the day with a panel of individuals who experienced addiction firsthand and were able to turn their experience into a lifelong mission to save others and educate those around them. A special thank you to our sponsors and all the agencies that supported the 2025 Rural Mental Health and Substance Misuse Summit.
Sponsorship Opportunities for the Rural Summit 2027 will open in 2026.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Hines
Motivational Speaker & Wellness Advocate
Kevin Hines is an award-winning global speaker, best-selling author, documentary filmmaker and suicide prevention and mental health advocate who has reached millions with his story of an unlikely survival and his strong will to live. Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge.
