EASTON, MARYLAND — For All Seasons says the first Eastern Shore First Responder Peer Support Symposium — framed as “Supporting Those Who Answer the Call” — is set for Thursday, Sept. 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Chesapeake College’s Todd Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills. The agency’s announcement describes a free day for first responders, peer support leaders, and behavioral health professionals from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore focused on strengthening peer support, sharing best practices, and building connections around first-responder mental health and wellness.

Annie Brewster, MD — listed by For All Seasons as a narrative psychologist, physician, and author — is the keynote speaker. The same page identifies her as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, a practicing physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, founder of the Health Story Collaborative, and author of The Healing Power of Storytelling. For All Seasons says attendees may be eligible for Police and Corrections Certified MPTC In-Service Credit, MIEMSS-approved Continuing Education Credit, and 4.5 Category I CEUs for social workers and professional counselors.

The symposium is presented by For All Seasons with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Maryland Chapter, Caroline CARES, Channel Marker, Inc., Lucas Nagel Memorial Fund, Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc., Santé Eastern Shore Crisis Response, Talbot FiRST, Queen Anne’s County RISE, and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. Jeff Thompson, PhD, a For All Seasons Center for Learning faculty member, said: “The symposium brings first responders from across the Eastern Shore together to learn, connect, and strengthen peer support. Whether you’re already involved, looking to get involved, or in a leadership role, there’s something for everyone. Every person deserves positive mental health, and that includes the first responders who serve our communities every day.”

Eventbrite registration for the For All Seasons event lists the same date, hours, and Todd Performing Arts Center location (College Circle, Wye Mills), says breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided, and states attendance is free with registration required. The Eventbrite page says registration is capped at 125 attendees and that a post-symposium gathering is held at Ten Eyck Brewery in Wye Mills. Learn more and register at PeerSymposium.eventbrite.com.