Mental Health Leadership Summit planned next month Published Sept. 21, 2018 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Medical Squadron’s Mental Health Flight will host a Mental Health Leadership Summit for military and civilian leaders Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the base conference center. “The Mental Health Leadership Summit will discuss utilizing local mental health resources, base prevention services and much more for commanders, directors, first sergeants and other senior leaders, including those in the acquisition directorates,” said Maj. Maureen Kimsey, 66 MDS Mental Health Flight commander. “The summit is open to those at Hanscom, but also to leaders at geographically separated units.” Organizers hope the meeting builds on the momentum of a similar event held at the beginning of the year. “During the last leadership summit in January, I think we provided everyone a really good understanding of what we in the Mental Health Flight can do for you from a leadership perspective, as well as what we can do for others in your command,” Kimsey said. Maj. Brett Skates, the commander of the 66th Security Forces Squadron, attended the January session. “The mental health summit was a well-organized event that pulled several subject matter experts together on topics that can be difficult to talk about, or are not discussed until after a problem occurs,” he said. Skates said the event is useful for leaders at all levels and experience. “There was a lot of great information provided that was either a solid refresher for items long forgotten, or new information that enhanced the abilities of leaders to more effectively accomplish our most important job – taking care of our Airmen,” he said. Master Sgt. Jessica LaBrie, 66th Medical Squadron first sergeant, also attended the last summit. “The Hanscom first sergeant cadre was able to network with other first sergeants in the New England area who attended,” she said. “That was an important exchange of information and experiences that enhances our capacity to serve Airmen.” Attendees will also hear about Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment services, known as ADAPT, as well as the Family Advocacy Program. “Anyone who utilizes the 66th Medical Squadron as their military mental health facility is encouraged to attend,” said Kimsey. “But we also welcome any local Guard or Reserve personnel interested in expanding their ability to lead.” Carolyn McCafferty, Hanscom’s community support coordinator, highlighted the benefit of attending for those at geographically separated units. "This summit is a useful opportunity for senior leaders assigned to geographically separated units since they lack the typical structure and support inherent on an installation,” she said. The summit is a coalition of base helping organizations in the behavioral health field. The event will include a question and answer period for attendees. For further information, or to register, contact Kimsey at 781-225-6392 or by email at maureen.f.kimsey.mil@mail.mil.