Experts, community members to gather for 2026 Henderson County Behavioral Health Conference

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (March 4, 2026) – As behavioral health needs continue to grow across Western North Carolina, Henderson County will bring together state leaders, regional experts, and frontline professionals to strengthen the region’s system of care.

The Henderson County Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Henderson County Behavioral Health Coalition, will host the 2026 Henderson County Behavioral Health Conference on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Blue Ridge Community College.

Following last year’s sold-out event, the conference returns with expanded capacity and welcomes more than 400 attendees from across Western North Carolina and beyond.

This year’s event features three keynote presentations, more than 30 speakers, and over 35 exhibitors representing universities, healthcare systems, nonprofits, state leadership, and community-based organizations.

The conference brings professionals and community members together for a day of learning and collaboration. Presentations and breakout sessions will address emerging trends, evidence-informed practices, workforce sustainability, system transformation, and innovative community partnerships.

Keynote speakers include:

• Philip Cooper, CCHW, CPSS, founder of Operation Gateway, who brings a systems perspective on behavioral health and justice involvement.
• Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, director of the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, who will provide statewide updates and discuss the future of behavioral health reform in North Carolina.
• Sarah Merritt Ryan, MS, CPSS, mental health advocate and speaker, whose keynote will focus on resilience, recovery, and the long-term path toward healing for individuals living with serious mental illness.

Singer-songwriter Brian Hilligoss will emcee the event, using music and storytelling to create energy and connection across sessions.

“This conference reflects the strength and commitment of our region,” said Melissa Witmeier, Public Health Strategist for Behavioral Health at the Henderson County Department of Public Health and founder of the conference. “We are bringing together leaders, clinicians, educators, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to strengthen behavioral health across Western North Carolina. It will be a day of meaningful learning, authentic collaboration, and even some fun.”

The conference is open to behavioral health professionals, healthcare providers, educators, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, first responders, students, peers, and community members invested in improving behavioral health outcomes. For more information, visit www.hendersoncountync.gov/bhc.

Registration Details

Date: Monday, March 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Ridge Community College, Technology Education and Development Center
49 East Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC
Cost: $50 registration only, $75 with CEU processing
Registration: https://mahec.net/home/event/77659

Registration is open, and space is limited.