Countywide mental health event draws large turnout

Hundreds of people gathered at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach this week for a mental health symposium focused on wellness, suicide prevention, and local support services. According to WESH, the event was hosted by the SMA Healthcare Foundation and Who Is Jay, an organization founded by the Ashby family in memory of their son, Jay, who died by suicide.

The symposium, now in its 11th year, brought together mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, advocates, and community members from across Volusia County. Organizers said the goal was to connect people with practical resources while also creating space for open conversations about mental health challenges that affect families throughout the region.

Focus on access and local resources

The event included breakout sessions on mental wellness and a marketplace of organizations offering help in the community. Nicole Sharbono, chief operating officer of SMA Healthcare, said the message was that there is “no wrong door” when someone seeks help, whether that support starts with a provider, a peer group, or a faith community.

That approach matters for Edgewater residents as well, since countywide providers and nonprofit groups often serve people across city lines. Events like this can raise awareness of services that residents may not know are available until a crisis hits. In a county where access to behavioral health care remains a recurring concern, bringing agencies together in one place can make it easier for families to find the right starting point.

Personal stories were central to the day

Organizers also highlighted the human side of the issue. Susan Ashby spoke about honoring those who dedicate their work to helping others, while photographer and advocate Desi’rae Stage shared her project documenting suicide attempt survivors. Stage said she has photographed nearly 200 people to remind the public that everyone has a story and that no one walks alone.

Those personal accounts helped frame the symposium as more than a professional conference. It was also a public reminder that mental health struggles touch veterans, first responders, parents, students, and neighbors in every part of Volusia County, including Edgewater.

Why this matters in Edgewater

Although the event took place in Daytona Beach, the resources discussed are relevant across the county. Edgewater residents often rely on regional providers for behavioral health care, crisis support, and referrals. Countywide awareness events can help reduce stigma and point people toward help before a situation becomes an emergency.

For local readers, the takeaway is practical as much as symbolic: mental health support networks in Volusia are active, visible, and continuing to expand public outreach. That makes this a useful community story for Edgewater, especially during a time when many families are paying closer attention to emotional wellness and crisis prevention.