NAMI Collier County is holding a virtual expert panel discussion on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health from noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 15. The panel will offer a unique look at how the pandemic has impacted those affected by mental illnesses from various perspectives, ranging from law enforcement officials and addiction professionals to children and adult mental health professionals. The panel discussion, planned from noon to 1 p.m., will be followed by questions and answers from 1 to 1:30 p.m. It is designed for anyone interested in understanding the current and potential mental health impact of the pandemic, particularly on people already dealing with mental health issues. Panel speakers include: • Lt. Leslie Weidenhammer, Collier County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Bureau • Tiffany Scott, LCSW with Elite DNA Therapy Services • Wilbur C. Smith, CEO and co-founder of Calusa Recovery • Paul Simeone, VP and Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Lee Health • Amanda Ferguson, Baker Act coordinator at Park Royal Hospital “As mental health service providers, we’ve seen the impact of COVID-19 on our clients for the past six months,” said Pamela Baker, CEO of NAMI Collier County. “Working collaboratively with others in the community, we want to be proactive about helping the community and anticipating the additional impacts of the pandemic for people with mental health diagnoses and their family. Helping this population helps the whole community.”

To register for the panel, please visit: ParkRoyalHospital.com/Events.