New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee (NHTCO) is getting ready for Mental Health Awareness Month 2026 in a big way. The agency will offer “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A Community Mental Health Experience” at the Havert L. Fenn Center on May 7, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. including improved access to mental health care through resource sharing. The free event will feature guest speaker Laura Feldsteen, M.D. a Medical Science Liaison with Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr Feldsteen will discuss the latest developments in effective treatment for schizophrenia along with other, emerging mental health diagnoses. Interested participants may sign up to receive free Narcan training offered by the Department of Health. Community partners on hand to share their resources include Sandy Pines Behavioral Treatment Center, Coral Shores Behavioral Health, Florida Department of Health, and Healthcite Pharmacy. The event is geared toward mental and behavioral health professionals, stakeholders, and those community members who share an interest in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health illnesses, bridging the gap to treatment and access to care.

“Building bridges to mental and behavioral health care is critical today more than ever. Resources are scarce yet the need continues to rise. We must take steps to educate and collaborate whenever possible.” said Gregory Jackson, CEO at New Horizons. “It’s a common misconception that all we do at New Horizons is accept Baker Act patients on Midway Road. In fact, we have 8 centers located in 4 counties that provide everything under the mental health and addiction recovery umbrella including medication management, wrap around services, support groups, case management, and so much more. We want to open our doors to providers and share services to help vulnerable

populations and our neighbors with the most need while making a healthier community for us all.” Jackson further added.

The complimentary event will include a presentation by keynote speaker Laura Feldsteen, M.D. of Bristol Myers Squibb, a Medical Science Liaison with more than 12 years in the mental health space. Dr. Feldsteen will discuss breakthroughs in schizophrenia treatment while helping to dispel misconceptions about medication management as an effective treatment to common mental health illnesses. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet partner agencies including the Department of Health which will provide Narcan training and certification as well as other service providers located on the Treasure Coast at the resource-fueled event.

Sponsored by Healthcite Pharmacy, Coral Shores Behavioral Health, Sandy Pines Residential Treatment Center, Bristol Myers Squibb and Sunshine Health, the “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges” event will also feature door prizes and hourly drawings. Set up as a community showcase, interested attendees may stop by at any time during the morning-long event with Narcan training beginning at 10:30 a.m. Participants who would like to receive complimentary Narcan training should sign up at www.nhtcinc.org. Those interested in sponsoring or donating to the event may contact Margaret Wynter, Director of Case Management at (772) 708-4033 or by email at MWynter@NHTCINC.org. Sponsorships start at just $500 and will be available until May 1, 2026.

The Havert L. Fenn Center is located at 2000 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982. Inquiries about the “Breaking Barrier, Building Bridges: A Community Mental Health Experience” may be directed to Samira Fouladi, SFouladi@NHTCINC.org or by phone at (772) 667-1217.

About New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee

New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee is the region’s most comprehensive mental health and substance use recovery agency, with nine facilities across four counties serving 11,000 children and adults annually, regardless of their ability to pay. Founded in 1958, New Horizons has provided a safety net for those in crisis and helps achieve health in both mind and body.