OPTIMUS' 8th Annual Mental Health Symposium
March 11, 2026 @ 10:30AM — 1:30PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Sacred Heart University's West Campus Guest House, Fairfield, CT: 3135 Easton Tpke Fairfield, CT 06825 Get Directions
About the Event
- Join us for a community-wide conversation and panel discussion featuring nonprofit healthcare leaders, clinicians, social service providers, funders, policymakers, and community stakeholders from across the region.
- In today’s challenging environment, defined by federal funding uncertainty, Medicaid instability, workforce burnout, and rising community mental health needs—we will open the day with an honest, solutions-focused dialogue centered on:
- The mental, operational, and organizational strain facing nonprofit healthcare organizations
- Strategies to build resilience, strengthen collaboration, and foster mutual support
- Practical approaches to sustaining essential services while prioritizing workforce wellbeing
- The real-world impacts of policy shifts and funding uncertainty
About the Keynote Speaker: Howard Sovronsky, State Behavioral Health Advocate
- Connecticut’s first Behavioral Health Advocate, appointed by Governor Lamont, tasked with building an independent agency to improve access to behavioral health care for individuals, families, and providers.
- Clinical social worker with 30+ years of leadership experience advancing behavioral health systems across New York and Connecticut.
- Former Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, overseeing comprehensive hospital- and community-based mental health and developmental services.
- Held senior executive roles including Vice President for Behavioral Health at Nassau Health Care Corporation, COO of CHR, and Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Connecticut Children’s.
- National leader in behavioral health systems and policy, currently leading a statewide study on Children’s Behavioral Health Crisis Services, with expertise spanning forensic mental health, crisis care, and system development.
Program Details:
- 10:30am Registration, Network, & Light Refreshments
- 11:00am Program Begins
- 12:30pm Lunch is Served, Networking
- 1:30pm Event Ends
NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOT FEDERALLY FUNDED.
For More Information Please Contact:
Catherine B. Burns, Director, Grants & Development
T: (203) 616-4991
cburns@opthc.org
Optimus Health Care, a leading provider of primary healthcare, is committed to raising awareness about today's mental health needs and solutions in care. We all have a role to play, from early childhood and throughout life.
Get ready to smile! You might be on Camera.
Optimus is capturing moments during our event. Our photographer may take photos that could be used in our marketing and communications materials. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of our team know.