Hello from your Bay Pines VA Healthcare System,

Veterans are invited to join us virtually on Monday, Aug. 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. for the 2026 Bay Pines VA Mental Health Summit

This year’s summit will bring together Veterans, peer specialists, and mental health professionals to share resources that support recovery, connection, and hope. The event will focus on strengthening Veteran-centered behavioral health care, reducing the stigma surrounding substance use, and highlighting approaches that can help prevent overdose and save lives. Attendees must register by emailing Ann.Canastra@va.gov.

The virtual summit will feature:

• Overdose Awareness Day discussion and overdose prevention
• A peer panel and Veteran story, highlighting lived experience and the role peer support can play in recovery
• Project Lighthouse, including information about evidence-based approaches to treating substance use disorders
• A special musical presentation by a Veteran Creative Arts finalist/winner

We encourage everyone to join us for this important conversation as we work together to build a more connected and responsive system of care for every Veteran we serve.