Help in the Home: What was the mission of the GBCC 2024 Health and Wellness Expo?
Rayetta:
This event had a holistic interpretation of health and wellness which included mental, physical, and financial health. The goal of the event was to bring together businesses and community members in Montgomery County, Maryland with a mission of bringing more awareness to the wealth of wellness resources that exist in the county. Attendees had the opportunity to visit a wide variety of exhibitors and have real time conversations with representatives from wellness focused organizations. In addition to a general focus on wellness, each year, the expo has a theme and provides a humanitarian award based on that theme. I knew that I wanted to co-chair this event when I heard that mental health was this year’s theme.
Help in the Home: What was it like to serve as the events co-chair for the expo?
Rayetta:
Serving as a co-chair was an incredible experience of synergy. Allie Williams, the CEO of GBCC and Clarissa Harris, GBCC’s Director of Marketing Communications and Events did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to organizing the event. I agreed to co-chair the event with encouragement from Susan I. Wranik, the founder of Speak Skills. I know Susan from GBCC’s Health and Wellness committee meetings. Susan led the way with her wealth of experience in organizing similar events and it was a privilege to learn from her. For six months I met with Susan and the other committee members every two weeks. It truly took a village to pull the event together and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the other committee members who helped make this event a success:
- Okinyi Ayungo of Fitness Wise
- Sharon Bourke of The Life Energy Foundation
- Patricia Dubroo of Assisting Hands
- Nancy Fiallo of Counseling Center Group
- Ianessa Humber of Swallowing Wellness
- Kathrybe Carter of Grace & Virtue Events
- Mark Asch of Right at Home
Help in the Home: What can you tell us about the humanitarian award nominees?
Rayetta:
A request for nominations for the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award for Achievement in Mental Health and Wellness was sent to all GBCC members. Six people were nominated and all were equally deserving of recognition:
Mimi Brodsky Kress, COO of Sandy Spring Builders, is a passionate mental health advocate who has led NAMI Montgomery County, raised significant funds for NAMI Walks, and continues to fight stigma and advocate for mental health support at local and state levels.
Dr. Gonzalo Laje, Director of WBMA and founder of MIND, has over 25 years of experience advancing mental health care through holistic treatment, education, advocacy, and mentoring future providers.
Mary Lowe Mayhugh, a retired US Army Colonel, founded The John P. Mayhugh Foundation to advance mental health solutions, particularly for servicemembers and veterans, through public education, holistic strategies, and her annual “Hero’s Journey Symposium”.
Steven Moreno, a Transition Recovery Guide, at Suburban Hospital helps patients with substance use disorders access treatment, provides vital support, and guides them toward sobriety with dedication and excellence.
Zahra Parva, a dedicated psychiatric RN at Suburban Hospital, connects behavioral health patients to essential post-hospital care and improves patient outcomes through personalized support and community involvement.
Last but certainly not least, I nominated Evelyn Burton for her lifetime of passionate service to those with Severe Mental Illness (SMI).
Help in the Home: Tell us more about why you chose to nominate Evelyn.
Rayetta:
I first met Evelyn in 2005 when asked to testify at the state level in support of AOT in Maryland. This award nomination was very timely because her persistence finally paid off and after 20 years the AOT bill passed this year in Maryland! In addition to her legislative work, Evelyn serves as the Maryland Advocacy Chair for the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance, and as a Maryland Ambassador and Board Member of Treatment Advocacy Center.
Help in the Home: Okay, now we have to know, who won the award?
Rayetta: It was Evelyn Burton! The award included a $1,000 check. In addition, one of the event sponsors, Susan Murphy, the founder of Aging Well Eldercare, matched the award! Evelyn will be donating these funds to Treatment Advocacy Center to support efforts in Montgomery County to effectively implement AOT.
Help in the Home: What an amazing outcome! Are there any other highlights from the event you’d like to share?
Rayetta:
Commander Amy Daum of Bethesda’s Police Force was the keynote speaker of the event. The focus of her speech was the importance of connection and being kind. She pointed out that the police are the first responders to mental health crises and that these crises are on the rise as a result of what the Surgeon General has identified as “an epidemic of loneliness”. A key takeaway for me was that the simple practice of being kind and looking to truly see others is a way to combat the epidemic of loneliness. This is so aligned with our values of joy and connection at Help in the Home and it was very refreshing to hear this perspective from such a highly decorated law enforcement officer. It gave me hope that even in broken systems, there are change makers who are willing to use their power to help improve the lives of people who are impacted by mental illness.
Help in the Home: This sounds like it was such an inspiring event! Did it live up to your expectations?
Rayetta:
This event exceeded the expectations of providing some of the best networking in Montgomery County, Maryland for businesses focused on health. I feel so much gratitude for being able to collaborate in organizing an event that provided valuable information regarding mental health and holistic health to the community. The biggest highlight and honor for me was being able to meet and spotlight each of the Humanitarian Award nominees.
We are so grateful to Rayetta for giving us a behind the scenes look at the GBCC Health and Wellness Expo! There was so much thought and intention that went into planning this very successful event which benefited the Montgomery County, Maryland community. Help in the Home is fortunate to be part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of people with complex mental health needs and their families.
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