New Horizons Holds Children’s Summit

Press Release February 4, 2008

Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Medical Officer of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, was the keynote speaker at New Horizons’ recent Children’s Behavioral Health Summit. 

More than 175 mental health, substance abuse, medical and teaching professionals attended the January 25th conference at the Kight Center for Emerging Technologies, Indian River Community College main campus in Fort Pierce. 

“We selected “Children in Crisis” as the theme for the Summit,” said Joanne Knight, co-chair.  “In addition to Dr. Turner we had some outstanding presenters from Sandy Pines, Tykes and Teens, Florida Atlantic University and local law enforcement agencies.” The Summit offered a variety of topics including Building Resilience in Children and Families, Teen Suicide, Bullying and Gangs in the Community.

“We are grateful to our corporate sponsors for underwriting the expenses for this successful event,” said Pat Daum, co-chair.  “Our corporate sponsors included: Indian River Community College, Lawnwood Medical Center, PBC Credit Union, and Jackson Drugs.” 

Community sponsors from the Treasure Coast included Children’s Services Council of Martin County, Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County, Family Preservation Services of Florida, Florida Rural Legal Services and Foster Grandparents of St. Lucie County.  Hibiscus Children’s Center, Helping People Succeed, Magellan Health Care, Treasure Coast Forensic Treatment Center and United for Families also participated.

New Horizons is your community mental health center and we have been serving the people of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie Counties for fifty years.  For additional information about New Horizons call 772-468-5600 or the website www.nhtcinc.org.