Annual Conference Call for Proposals

To be considered, workshop presentations must:

• Align with our conference themes.
• Be interactive, thought-provoking, and action-oriented.
• Allow time for group discussion.
• Fit within a 60-minute timeframe, with 45 minutes for presenting and 15 minutes for audience Q&A. 
• Be conducted with no more than three presenters. 
• Be able to be delivered in person in Washington, D.C., Sept. 19-21, 2024.

*Please note: all sessions will be closed captioned in English.

All sessions will be conducted in person.

We are looking for presentations related to the following topics:

• Community responses to disaster and humanitarian crises: Responding to climate issues, acts of violence, and other threats to the safety of local communities.
• Local solutions to equity needs: Identifying, responding to, and understanding the health equity needs of local communities and the impact on mental health.
• Innovation: Exploring emerging trends in mental health treatment and well-being promotion, including digital mental health support, alternative therapies, spirituality, and more.
• Substance use and mental health: Exploring the connection between substance use and mental health and innovations in the treatment of dual diagnoses.
• Advocacy and policy: Innovative ways communities are advocating and implementing policy changes to support equitable access to mental health care and services.
• Youth and young adults: Sharing youth-driven solutions co-created or led by young people.

Sample presentation titles

These are samples only, and NOT indicative of the final agenda.

• Addressing Social Determinants Upstream: A Prevention Approach
• When Disaster Strikes: Responding to Mental Health Needs After Crisis
• Think Big, Act Local: Advancing Health Equity in Local Government
• Disability Justice: A Framework for Access and Inclusion
• Opportunities and Setbacks in Digital Therapeutics
• Spirituality in Substance Use Treatment and Prevention
• Co-creating Peer Programs with Youth
• Managing the Gaps: Training Your Workforce for Culturally Responsive Care

Please note: Workshop attendance can be anywhere from 20–100 people per session. MHA will do its best to ensure each session is full but cannot guarantee a specific headcount.

As speakers representing Mental Health America, you agree to be respectful of all attendees, speakers, volunteers, organizers, and hotel staff. Discrimination or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.

Speakers are required to attend one 30-minute meeting with an assigned session moderator in the weeks prior to the event.

Workshops will be livestreamed to a virtual audience. The presentation format should accommodate and engage both virtual and in-person attendees. Speakers will need to stay in view of the camera and on-microphone for the duration of their presentations.

By submitting a proposal for consideration, you agree that if selected, you will be available to speak at any time during Sept. 19-21, 2024.

Mental Health America will accept online applications only. If you have trouble completing the form, please email events@mhanational.org with questions. The webform will prompt applicants to submit biographies, session descriptions, learning objectives, and contact information for every speaker. Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed.

The workshop-acceptance process is very selective. There are a limited number of slots available, and the final decision is at the discretion of Mental Health America.

• Acknowledgment: You will receive an email confirmation upon receipt of your submission.
• Notification: All applicants will be notified about the status of their submission by mid-March 2024.
• Follow up: If accepted, presenters will receive free conference registration and are welcome to attend the entire conference, including meals, receptions, and plenary events during September 19-21, 2024.

Please note: All workshop presenters are responsible for all travel-related expenses, including transportation and hotel accommodations. Do not submit a proposal if you cannot accept responsibility for travel-related expenses. Speakers will have access to Mental Health America's room block at the Capitol Hilton at a discounted rate.