Jacksonville State University

Out of the Shadows Summit Returns Sept. 1 to Promote Mental Health Awareness

Annual conference brings together mental health professionals, advocates and community members to strengthen collaboration, connection and care.

Oxford, AL (07/30/2026) — Community members from across Northeast Alabama are invited to the annual Out of the Shadows Summit on Sept. 1 at the Oxford Civic Center for a day of education, collaboration and discussion focused on improving mental health outcomes.

Nearly one in four U.S. adults-23.4%, or approximately 61.5 million people-experienced a mental illness in the past year, according to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Since its launch in 2017, the summit has brought together mental health professionals, healthcare providers, educators, first responders, faith leaders, students and community members to discuss mental health challenges and solutions. It has been held annually, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The summit is co-hosted by Jacksonville State University's Department of Social Work, the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, Highland Health Systems, the Oxford Police Department, United Way of East Central Alabama, Bradford Health Services, and St. Michael's Clinic.

Sponsors include the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, Regional Medical Center, RMC Foundation, Calhoun County Medical Society, and Alabama Power.

This year's theme, "Stronger Together: Collaboration, Connection, and Care," emphasizes the importance of partnerships and community engagement in improving mental health outcomes. The keynote presentation, "From the Outside Looking In: How Connection Breaks the Cycle," will be delivered by Jared Wilson.

The summit will feature 25 breakout sessions, including:

Wired to Move: Beyond Sitting Still-The Neuroscience of Movement, Regulation and Mental Health, presented by Mindi Amberson and Colonie Hughes
Easy Techniques to Clear Negative Emotions, presented by Camille Browning
Stronger Together: Trauma-Informed Sexual Assault Response in Rural Communities, presented by Tina Deshotels and Carlie Thrasher
A Journey from Trauma to Purpose, presented by Lee Evancho
The Heart Behind the Care: Caring for the Caregiver, presented by Kendra Finley
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Benefits and Challenges Across the Lifespan, presented by Francesca Guida-Hall and Renee Bellew
What All Human Beings Have in Common, presented by Joe Howell
AI in Mental Health Care: Innovation, Risk, and the Policy Race to Keep Up, presented by Jeremy Jones and Russell Wofford
Navigating the Paperwork: Advanced Directives, Mental Health, and Patient-Centered Decision Making, presented by Miriam Little
Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding the Person Behind the Symptoms, presented by Dorothy McDermott
Collaboration in Action for Whole-Person Care, presented by Mary O'Dell, Price, LaFollette, and White
Rediscovering the Person Behind the Professional, presented by Katesha Reid
Engaging Families in Recovery: A 12-Step Approach, presented by Kathleen Saucier
Stronger Together: Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Supporting Children After Trauma, presented by Morgan Schaffer
Mental Health and Faith: The Delicate Balance, presented by Fred Smith
Raising Resilience: The R.I.S.E. - Restoring Hope through Collaboration, Connection, and Care, presented by Jessica Smith, Jasmine Whatley, Leia Cook, and Becky Cox
The Business of Leadership: Why Self-Care Is a Strategy for Success, presented by Brandy Turner
Play With Purpose: Creative Games and Family-Based Interventions in Children's Counseling, presented by Lorena Williams
Timeout: Pausing the Game to Focus on Student Athlete Mental Wellness, presented by Ataska Winsett
A Whole Person Framework for Recovery Through Connection, Attention, and Healing, presented by James Wynfrey
Living With Autism Spectrum Disorder, presented by Nathan Young
Holding On When Everything Feels Like It's Falling Apart: Understanding Substance Use Disorder and Family Resilience, presented by Joe Hobby
Beyond the Clinic Walls: How the CCBHC Model Changes Behavioral Health Care, presented by Highland Health Systems
The Message in the Music, presented by Marc Fomby

Early-bird registration is available through July 31 for $60 for professionals and $10 for consumers, family members and advocates. Beginning Aug. 1, professional registration increases to $85. Lunch is included, and 5.5 contact hours for nurses, counselors, and social workers are sponsored by Bradford Health Services.

For additional information or to register, visit OutOfShadowsSummit.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Julie Nix

Jacksonville State University

256.782.5815

Fred Smith

Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama

256.282.1381