denver

Coming Together for Action 2018 conference logo 

An Interdisciplinary Conference on Behavioral Health, Social Justice, and Healthier Communities

October 4-6, 2018
Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver Metro Area, Colorado


Now more than ever we need research, innovation, and action to promote behavioral health among individuals, families, and communities. Coming Together for Action brought together community members, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers who are passionate about behavioral health, social justice, and well-being promotion. Around 200 individuals came to Aurora, CO to develop leadership capacity, learn about promising practices and policies, stimulate new and innovative ideas, and spark collaborative efforts. We had four thought-provoking plenary addresses, sessions aimed at policy and advocacy, 60+ stimulating presentations, and opportunities for discussion and networking. A common phrase among conference attendees was, "I've found my people!".

Click here to see the full conference program [PDF].

Stay in the know by following the conference Facebook page.


Highlights from #together4action2018

Keynote Speakers

Our keynote speakers at Together for Action were awesome! Vikram Patel shared highlights from the Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health Report, Maria Yellow Horse Braveheart spoke about historical trauma faced by indigenous groups, Alecia Lieberman discussed trauma informed care for young children, and Bradley Olson challenged conference attendees to think about what it means to be a social justice advocate. Be sure to check out the opening remarks from First Lady Chirlane McCray, as well. 

Olson Patel

Vera Paster Winners

Vera Paster Award Winners 

Rebecca Singer, DNP, RN, and Andrew Gadaire, MA, were honored during our Friday evening reception at Coming Together for Action. During the conference, Rebecca presented on a creative writing intervention aimed at preventing compassion fatigue in health care providers and best practices for implementing mental health into primary care based on her experiences in complex emergencies in South Sudan, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Drew presented on the experiences of unaccompanied youth in Charlotte, NC and on an intervention to enhance socio-emotional development in preschoolers attending the Bright Beginning preschool program in Charlotte, NC. 


 Poster Session 

On Friday evening, attendees came together for the conference poster session. We had around 25 interesting posters covering a wide variety of topics on display. 

Poster Poster Poster