Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference

Monday, May 19, 2025 - Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Best Western Premier: The Central Hotel and Conference Center

Best Western Premier: The Central Hotel and Conference Center, 800 E Park Dr
Harrisburg, PA 17111

Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference

Nearly 250 people attended NAMI Keystone PA's 2025 Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference on May 19-20 at the Best Western Premier: The Central Hotel and Conference Center in Harrisburg.

The Monday Keynote Presenter, Rep. Mike Schlossberg, examined the impact changes at the federal level are having in Pennsylvania. Rep. Schlossberg also discussed how the uncertainty is challenging our mental health and our ability to cope, and ways we can respond and prepare.

The public policy focus continued throughout the conference, with additional presentations on state priorities, the expansion of the PA Able Savings Program, and a panel discussion on how peers and family members can educate themselves about the mental health system to become effective advocates.

The Tuesday morning plenary featured actor, playwright, and producer Becca Schneider as she performed, TRICH: a solo show. The award-winning show shines a light on living with a lesser-known mental health condition, trichotillomania. During the performance, Schneider uses humor and vulnerability to explain the condition and ways to help people experiencing it.

The conference also included three sets of workshops, an exhibitor hall with 40 vendors showcasing community resources, and networking opportunities.

Rep. Mike Schlossberg was presented with the 2025 Carol Caruso Mental Health Advocacy Award. Carol was a longtime and highly regarded mental health advocacy leader from NAMI Montgomery County who passed away in 2017. NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania established this award in her honor to create a legacy that continues to advance the advocacy movement that Carol led for many years.

COO Debbie Ference received the 2025 Dick Jevon Advocacy Award recognizing a lifetime of achievement. Debbie, who has been with NAMI Keystone PA since 2005, is retiring at the end of 2025. On Monday evening, Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, delivered remarks before dinner.

2025 Conference Agenda 2025 Conference Brochure

Conference Questions

If you have questions about future Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conferences, contact Sara Levine Steinberg by email at slsteinberg@namikeystonepa.org or by phone at 412-366-3788 (ext. 122).