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It Takes a Village to Redefine Mental Health: Panel
Join us for a panel discussion | RSVP HERE
Stigma, cost, transportation barriers, and long waitlists continue to prevent many in the Hudson Valley from accessing the mental health care they need. According to the Voices of the Hudson Valley report, mental health was the second-most pressing issue residents identified in their communities. In response, grassroots organizations, nonprofit service providers, and public agencies are forging partnerships and advancing community-based solutions.
In this panel, the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley brings together leaders in clinical care, public policy, peer support/youth empowerment, and community advocacy. Together, they’ll explore what’s working, where the region is still falling short, and how we can reduce stigma, expand access, and build sustainable, wraparound support systems for individuals and families
Speakers:
- Heather Ann Lee-Pitcher, NYCPS is the founder and CEO of The Brain and Body Coalition, which delivers evidence-based mental health education and peer support programs. A certified peer specialist, she focuses on youth empowerment, resilience, and stigma reduction through culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches.
- Tara McDonald, LMSW, MPA is the commissioner of the Ulster County Department of Mental Health. A licensed social worker, she leads the county’s behavioral health system, overseeing planning, funding, and coordination of mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services across Ulster County.
- Brandon del Pozo, PhD, MPH is a board member of the Philipstown Behavioral Health Hub and an assistant professor at Brown University, where he conducts research at the intersection of public health, public safety, and justice policy. He previously served as police chief in Burlington, Vermont, and commanded patrol precincts with the New York City Police Department.
- Rebecca Pearsall, MSW (moderator) is the board chair of the Philipstown Behavioral Health Hub, providing strategic leadership and governance for the organization. She brings experience in nonprofit oversight, program development, and community engagement to her work advancing local behavioral health supports.