The 2026 Mental Health First Aid Maryland Summit for CHANGE

The Mental Health First Aid Maryland Summit for CHANGE brings together Mental Health First Aid instructors, Mental Health First Aiders, and mental health champions from across Maryland and beyond. Whether you are a behavioral health professional, educator, individual with lived experience, family member, or community advocate passionate about advancing mental health awareness, this summit offers opportunities to strengthen mental health literacy, expand skills, and build connections that support healthier communities.

Event Highlights

• Keynote Address: “Engaging Fathers, Strengthening Families: Practical Tools to Support Men’s Mental Health” with Dr. James WorthyMen’s mental health—especially for fathers—remains one of the most underserved and often overlooked areas in family and community support systems. Yet, when fathers are healthy, engaged, and supported, the impact on children, families, and communities is transformational.

  In this dynamic and solution-focused session, Dr. James Worthy equips organizations, educators, and community leaders with practical tools, proven strategies, and real-world insights to effectively engage fathers while addressing the unique mental health challenges men face.

  This workshop goes beyond theory. It provides actionable approaches for those working directly with families—helping participants understand how to connect with men who may be hesitant to open up, resistant to traditional support models, or navigating stress, identity, and responsibility in silence.

• Participants will learn how to:
• Create father-friendly environments that foster trust, safety, and engagement
• Recognize the unique signs of mental health challenges in men, including those often masked by behavior
• Use effective communication strategies that resonate with men and reduce resistance
• Implement practical engagement frameworks to increase father participation in programs and services
• Support men in their roles as fathers, providers, and leaders—while prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being
• Strengthen family outcomes by intentionally including fathers in the conversation

Grounded in the principles of Connection, Hope, Awareness, Navigation, Growth, and Education, this session challenges organizations to rethink how they serve families by intentionally designing strategies that include and empower fathers.

Attendees will leave with a clear blueprint, practical language, and confidence to better serve men—not just as individuals, but as fathers whose presence and well-being are critical to thriving families and communities.

Additional Summit Details

• Professional growth and skill-building workshops, including sessions tailored specifically for Mental Health First Aid instructors and First Aiders
• Networking and collaboration opportunities
• Exhibitor and resource tables
• Lunch and refreshments provided

Our Guiding Principles

The Summit for CHANGE is grounded in six principles:

• Connection – Building meaningful relationships across Maryland
• Hope – Sharing stories of recovery and resilience
• Awareness – Empowering voices to advance mental health understanding and change
• Navigation – Providing tools to access resources and support
• Growth – Fostering personal and community development
• Education – Sharing knowledge that reduces stigma and strengthens communities

Registration Options

Attendee Ticket ($20):

Secure your spot at the summit by purchasing an attendee ticket. Gain access to engaging workshops, keynote presentations, and interactive sessions led by mental health, education, and industry experts.

Exhibitor Tables ($100):

Maximize your visibility and connect with attendees by reserving an exhibitor table. Showcase your organization, products, or services to a targeted audience of professionals and advocates. General admission is not included in the exhibitor table, but lunch will be provided.

Sponsorship ($250-$500)

Support mental health education and elevate your visibility at the Summit for CHANGE. Sponsorship levels include Platinum Partner ($500) and Gold Supporter ($250). Click here to view full sponsorship benefits and recognition details.

Don’t miss out! Reserve your tickets, exhibitor tables, or sponsorship today and join us for a day of inspiration and collaboration. For inquiries or assistance with registration, please contact us at MHFATraining@mhamd.org.

**We are not able to offer CEUs for this event.**

We look forward to seeing you at the summit!