Eastern Shore First Responder Peer Support Symposium

Join first responders, peer support leaders, and behavioral health professionals from across the Eastern Shore for a day of connection.

Eastern Shore First Responder Peer Support Symposium:
Supporting Those Who Answer the Call

Join first responders, peer support leaders, behavioral health professionals, and community partners from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore for a day dedicated to strengthening peer support, building connections, and advancing the mental health and wellness of those who serve our communities.

This free symposium will bring together experts and peers to explore effective peer support models, program development, best practices, and collaborative strategies that help first responders support one another. Whether you’re currently involved in a peer support team, looking to start a program, or are a behavioral health professional serving first responders, this event offers valuable education, networking, and practical tools.

Symposium Highlights

• Expert presentations from leaders in peer support and behavioral health – Keynote Speaker: Annie Brewster, MD (Narrative Psychologist, Harvard Medical School)
• Peer support best practices and real-world strategies
• Program development ideas
• Collaborative discussions and networking opportunities
• Mental health and wellness resources

Who Should Attend

• First responders interested in joining or developing peer support programs
• Current first responder peer support team members
• Mental health professionals who currently serve or are interested in serving first responders

Event Details

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location
Chesapeake College
Todd Performing Arts Center
College Circle
Wye Mills, MD

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided.

Following the symposium, attendees are invited to continue networking at a post-symposium gathering at Ten Eyck Brewery, a first responder and veteran-owned brewery located in Wye Mills.

Continuing Education

Participants may be eligible to receive:

• 4.5 Category I CEUs for Social Workers and Professional Counselors
• Police and Corrections Certified MPTC In-Service Credit
• MIEMSS-approved Continuing Education Credit

Registration Information

Attendance is FREE, but registration is required.

Space is limited to ensure meaningful discussion and networking. Registration will be capped at 125 attendees, including designated spaces for:

• First responders interested in joining or developing peer support programs
• Current first responder peer support team members
• Mental health professionals who currently serve or are interested in serving first responders

During registration, you’ll be asked to select the category that best describes you. Registration for each group will close once capacity is reached.