Registration Open for May 29 Gathering in Falmouth, MA
FHE Health is sponsoring the one-day event “Breaking the Chains,” in Falmouth, Massachusetts, where speakers and participants from around the country, as well as local community leaders and experts, will gather May 29 (the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend) to discuss the overdose crisis and prevention and treatment solutions. FHE Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Beau A. Nelson, DBH, LCSW, will be one of several high-profile speakers to share at the evening gala that concludes the day’s offerings.
Also in the speaker line-up:
- Amanda Coleman, the founder and CEO of Irish Angel Helping First Responders, a support network for first responders
- Heather Palacios, who founded WHONDERFUL, INC., as a resource for those facing mental health issues who may be contemplating suicide
- Former professional ice hockey player Chris Nilan, who will talk about his journey from hockey to heroin
- Drug and alcohol attorney Mark Astor
- And, Maritsa Yzaguirre-Kelley, DCM, LMHC, MCAP, and her husband Joe Kelley, author of Badge, Bars, to Beyond, who are co-founders of the organization Obtaining Mastery, recognized leaders in the treatment field, and the lead hosts and organizers of the event.
“Health, Wellness, and Resources” for Addiction and Mental Illness
Joe Kelley, who is also a retired first responder and national liaison for FHE, said the focus of the event will be “health, wellness, and resources” for individuals and families affected by addiction and mental illness. When asked what inspired him to plan and design such an ambitious undertaking, including the support of more than 30 sponsors and numerous vendors, Kelley said:
“Drug overdoses rose by 30 percent last year (between April 2020 and April 2021). That means 100,000 Americans lost their battle with addiction—and in the meantime, too little is happening in the way of real solutions. ‘Breaking the Chains’ is an effort to break the chains of addiction, but it’s also an effort to break the tragic gridlock that’s keeping us from doing better at prevention and treatment. It’s about bringing resources to communities to better understand mental health and substance use disorders.”
How to Register and Attend
Registration spots are still available. In addition to the evening gala, highlights of the day will include a 5k walk/run to raise community awareness about addiction and mental illness and a free exhibitor’s hall, where those who attend can meet participating vendors and hear from daytime speakers. To learn more about “Breaking the Chains” and ways to participate, click here.
About FHE Health
In Falmouth, Massachusetts, and communities across the country, FHE Health is bringing the hope of healing to individuals and families affected by substance abuse and other mental health disorders. For more information about our programs, contact our helpline anytime. Our knowledgeable and compassionate counselors are available 24/7, 365 days a year, to help you understand your treatment options.
