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Polk Vision
Our guiding principle...cultivate a sense of community that fosters diversity, innovation and pride in Polk County while emphasizing a sense of place and recognizing the many physical assets and unique cultures of the area.
đź“Ł TOMORROW is the day!
Conversations in Behavioral Health: The Power of Hope & Healing is happening Thursday, May 1, at Polk State College Center for Public Safety!
Here’s what to know before you go:
đź“Ť Where:
Polk State College Center for Public Safety
1251 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Parking is available on-site, with overflow at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
đź•— When:
Coffee & Networking (Lobby): 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Program starts promptly at 9:00 AM in the auditorium.
Closing remarks are at 4:45 PM.
🧥 What to Bring:
A warm sweater or light jacket (auditoriums love the AC!)
& any questions you’d love to ask our incredible speakers.
🪑 Seating:
Open seating in the auditorium—please help us fill in all available seats. A full house is expected!
Feel free to message us with any last-minute questions. We can’t wait to see you there!
#HopeAndHealing #BehavioralHealthConversations #MentalHealthMatters #PolkVision #CommunityWellnessClo
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This year's "Conversations in Behavioral Health: The Power of Hope & Healing" event is bringing together six incredible changemakers who are using their stories, strategies, and expertise to spark real transformation in our communities and our lives. Get ready to be moved, challenged, and inspired by:
🌟 Johnny Crowder – Founder of Cope Notes®, TEDx speaker, and suicide/abuse survivor
From the stage to the breakout room, Johnny brings humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation about stigma, self-care, and starting real mental health conversations.
👉 Keynote: Overcoming Stigma with Strategy, Stamina, and Strength
🌟 Anthony Alvarado – Founder of RISE TOGETHER and advocate for mental wellness
Anthony’s breakout will help you reconnect to your purpose, rebuild your energy, and redefine strength through balance.
👉 Presentation: From Burnout to Balance: How to Rewire, Protect, and Reclaim in a Fast-Paced World”
🌟 Trish Kendall – Inspirational speaker and beacon of enduring success after trauma and addiction
With raw transparency and unwavering hope, Trish shares the 5 critical choices that took her from darkness to a thriving life—and how those same choices can unlock healing for you, too.
👉 Keynote: Choose & Become: From the Pit of Despair to the Peak of Success—A Journey of Hope, Healing and Love
🌟 Ellen Snelling, M.S. – Public health advocate, educator, and policy leader
Ellen brings 25+ years of experience in substance abuse prevention and will equip attendees with the knowledge to protect youth from hidden threats in everyday places.
👉 Presentation: Gas Station Drug Trends – What Parents & Leaders Need to Know
🌟 Risdon Slate - Professor Emeritus of Criminology, Florida Southern College
As a person with mental illness, Risdon has personally encountered the mental health and criminal justice systems and is passionate about combating the stigma associated with mentall illness.
👉 Presentation: The Criminalization of Mental Illness: Crisis and Opportunity for the Justice System
🌟 Frederick Heid - Polk County Public Schools Superintendent
With a background as a teacher, principal, and education leader, Superintendent Heid collaborates with local leaders to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and ensure more resources directly support student success.
👉Presentation: Supporting the Whole Child: PCPS Mental and Behavioral Health Initiatives
These speakers are more than experts. They’re difference-makers—and their voices are shaping a better, more compassionate future for behavioral health.
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