Mental Health Providers Gathered Virtually to Address Behavioral Health Crisis in SWFL

Kids’ Minds Matter Hosted Second Annual Health Fair to Improve Mental Health Services

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2020) --- Twenty mental and behavioral health providers, advocates and non-profit organizations participated in a virtual health fair to explore ways the Southwest Florida community can provide cohesive coordination of care for individuals suffering from mental disorders.

The event was hosted by Kids’ Minds Matter, which raises awareness and essential funding to enhance pediatric mental & behavioral health programs and services in Southwest Florida through Lee Health, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and community partners.

The event kicked off with opening remarks from Lee Health’s Dr. Paul Simeone, Ph.D., VP Medical Director Behavioral and Mental Health and was followed by keynote speaker Shannon Wiseley, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who discussed maternal mental health.

Participating organizations presented their services, and then hosted a panel discussion that included a live Q&A session. Mental Health Navigators, who are in local schools, shared success stories about working with students, their families and teachers. The event closed with an update on the Healthy Minds initiative.

“This event was a great opportunity for mental health professionals to collaborate on ways to improve the delivery of health care services to those struggling with behavioral and mental health issues,” said Simeone. “The more we can do collectively to provide the appropriate and needed support, the better the overall outcomes for patients.”

The health fair brought together mental health providers from around the area and provided professionals with the opportunity to learn from experts across all realms of mental and behavioral health care.

Due to COVID-19, the event hosted a virtual audience but presenters were onsite at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) to record the event. The recorded event can be viewed at: 2nd Annual Mental Health Fair.

For more information, visit LeeHealth.org.