Mental health event draws large turnout in Volusia County

Hundreds of people gathered at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach this week for a mental health symposium focused on wellness, suicide prevention and community support. The event may not be Edgewater-specific, but it has practical value for local readers because it spotlighted organizations and services available across Volusia County, including help that residents can access close to home.

WESH reported that the symposium 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. Organizers said this was the 11th year for the event, which brought together mental health professionals, advocates, law enforcement officers and community members for a day of discussion and resource-sharing.

Focus on access and awareness

The program included breakout sessions centered on mental wellness and a marketplace of more than a dozen groups offering information about support services in the community. Nicole Sharbono of SMA Healthcare said one of the key messages was that there is “no wrong door” when someone decides to seek help, whether that starts with a provider, a peer group, a church or another trusted organization.

That message matters in Edgewater, where families often rely on countywide systems for behavioral health care, crisis support and referrals. Events like this do not solve access gaps on their own, but they can make services more visible and help residents understand where to turn before a crisis escalates. In a county as large as Volusia, awareness is often the first barrier.

Personal stories remain central

Organizers also emphasized lived experience. Susan Ashby spoke about the mission behind Who Is Jay, while photographer and advocate Desi’rae Stage shared her work documenting suicide survivors through the project “Live Through This.” Stage said she has photographed nearly 200 people, underscoring the idea that every person has a story and that no one should feel alone.

Those personal accounts are a reminder that mental health coverage is not only about systems and agencies. It is also about neighbors, families and the people quietly carrying grief, trauma or stress. For Edgewater readers, the county symposium serves as a timely prompt to check in with loved ones and to learn what support networks already exist nearby.

Why Edgewater readers may want to pay attention

Mental health resources in Volusia County are often shared across city lines, so a county event in Daytona Beach can still be directly useful to residents in Edgewater. The symposium highlighted that help is available through established local organizations and that collaboration among providers remains a priority. For anyone looking for support, the strongest takeaway is simple: reaching out early can open more options.