18th Annual Mental Health Awareness 2026: Building Community & Connection
Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 9:00am EST
15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Washington, DC
15941 Donald Curtis DriveWoodbridge, VA 22191
Free
Event Description
Join us for a free, full-day experience focused on mental health, wellness, recovery, learning, and community connection.
Prince William County Community Services invites residents, families, behavioral health professionals, advocates, community partners, educators, public safety professionals, service providers, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience to the 18th Annual Mental Health Awareness event.
This year’s experience has been expanded to include both a welcoming community event and a professional learning summit.
Under the theme:
Building Community & Connection: Supporting Mental Well-Being Together
The day will bring together mental health education, community resources, lived-experience storytelling, wellness activities, recovery recognition, and opportunities to connect with local organizations and services.
Whether you are seeking support, supporting someone you love, working in the behavioral health field, or helping strengthen community wellness, this event is for you.
What to Expect
Attendees will have opportunities to:
- Connect with mental health, substance use, recovery, wellness, and community resources. - Participate in interactive wellness activities. - Attend learning sessions focused on mental health and well-being. - Hear stories of hope, resilience, and recovery. - Engage with behavioral health professionals, advocates, peers, and community partners. - Learn where to turn when they or someone they care about needs help. - Attend the free Community Celebration and Dinner.
Event Schedule
9:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
Community Wellness Expo and Community Navigation Hub
Explore community resources, meet local providers and partners, participate in wellness activities, and learn about available pathways to care and support.
Planned experiences include:
- Community resource tables - Lived-experience art and storytelling - Interactive wellness activities - Therapy dogs - Mindfulness and grounding experiences - Healthy snacks - Recovery and peer-support resources - Opportunities to connect directly with community organizations
12:00–1:00 p.m.
Lunch and Community Connection
Take time to connect with participants, speakers, exhibitors, and community partners.
Additional lunch details will be shared as planning continues.
1:00–4:30 p.m.
Mental Health Learning Sessions, Professional Learning Summit and Educational Breakouts
Participate in educational sessions designed for both community members and professionals.
Topics may include:
- Youth mental health - Suicide prevention - Social media and body image - Culture and mental health - Caregiver stress and burnout - Mental Health First Aid - Peer support and recovery - Trauma, resilience, and crisis response
Some sessions may offer professional-development opportunities. Final session topics, speakers, and credit information will be announced.
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Voice of Recove
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