“Supporting Those Who Answer the Call” will be the focus of the first-ever Eastern Shore First Responder Peer Support Symposium, a free event bringing together first responders, peer support leaders, and behavioral health professionals from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

The symposium will take place Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Chesapeake College’s Todd Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills.

The event will focus on strengthening peer support, sharing best practices, and building connections among those working to support the mental health and wellness of first responders. Annie Brewster, MD, a narrative psychologist, physician, and author, will serve as the keynote speaker. Dr. Brewster is 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.

“The symposium brings first responders from across the Eastern Shore together to learn, connect, and strengthen peer support,” said Jeff Thompson, PhD, and For All Seasons Center for Learning faculty member. “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.”

The event is designed to give participants opportunities to learn about peer support models, program development, practical strategies, and resources while connecting with others doing this work across the Eastern Shore. The symposium also offers valuable professional development opportunities, with attendees eligible to earn 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 in partnership 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 Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

To learn more and register, visit PeerSymposium.eventbrite.com.