NELSONVILLE, OH — Firefighters, EMS, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, corrections officers, and veterans across Ohio and the surrounding region are invited to attend the Beyond the Uniform: First Responder PTSD & Mental Health Awareness Summit on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Nelsonville‑York High School.
The Summit will feature:
- Keynote speakers with lived experience in trauma, recovery, and resilience
- Breakout sessions on PTSD, cumulative stress, peer support, and family impact
- A dedicated Wellness Activity Block offering trauma‑informed modalities including:
- Sound healing
- Trauma‑informed yoga
- Trauma‑informed art
- Equine‑assisted therapy
- Grounding and regulation‑focused practices
- Therapy dogs, resource tables, and community partners
- Lunch provided at no cost
“As a firefighter myself, I’ve seen how deeply the job impacts our nervous systems, our families, and our long‑term health,” said Julie Phelps, Summit Coordinator. “This event is about breaking stigma, building community, and giving first responders real tools for healing — not just for one day, but for the long haul.”
The Summit is supported by regional mental health professionals, trauma‑informed wellness providers, first responder organizations, and community partners who are volunteering their time to make this event accessible to all.
CALL FOR WELLNESS PROVIDERS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The Summit is currently inviting trauma‑informed wellness practitioners, mental health organizations, and community partners to participate in the Wellness Activity Block or resource fair.
Providers are encouraged to volunteer their time to support first responders who often struggle to access or prioritize their own mental health care.
EVENT DETAILS
Beyond the Uniform: First Responder PTSD & Mental Health Awareness Summit Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: Nelsonville‑York High School Address: 1 Buckeye Dr, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764 Cost: Free for all first responders and veterans
REGISTRATION
Registration is open to all first responders, dispatchers, corrections officers, & veterans. Registration link: https://forms.gle/CFav1EYuG5mWaupF9
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The Beyond the Uniform Summit was created to address the urgent need for accessible, stigma‑free mental health support for first responders. The event brings together experts, survivors, clinicians, and wellness providers to deliver practical tools, trauma‑informed care, and community connection.
