Summit to Address Mental Health Challenges Among Seniors

The Faith-Based Subcommittee of the Dare County Saving Lives Task Force (SLTF) will host a Faith Community Summit on Navigating Seniors’ Mental Health Challenges on November 13, 2025. The summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Andrews by the Sea, located at 4212 S. Virginia Dare Trail in Nags Head. 

“Please mark your calendars and take time to attend this event, it will be well worth it,” said Bonnie Bennett, chair of the SLTF Faith-Based Subcommittee. “Our speakers will offer some great information to help navigate the challenges that all seniors face at one time or another.” 

The summit will feature a number of community members who work to improve the lives of older adults.

Speakers include Thomas McGrady of Sunshine Pharmacy in Duck; Dare County Health & Human Services Adult Services Supervisor Beth Bradley; Dare County Transportation Program Supervisor Radcliff Hester; Kathy and Phil Cooper of the Outer Banks Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness; Outer Banks Dementia Friendly Coalition Executive Director Dianne Denny; and Baum Senior Center Leisure Activities Specialists Jodie Futch and Haley Weeks Hopkins.

“Our Faith-Based Subcommittee plays a vital role in providing resources and education to our community’s churches and faith-based organizations, which is so important,” said Katy Haslar, SLTF co-chair and human services program coordinator for Dare County Department of Health and Human Services. 

Haslar noted that their work ensures the most up-to-date and accurate information gets into the hands of church leaders so they are equipped to help their parishioners. 

“The committee identified the senior population as one that is often overlooked when it comes to mental health challenges, so they worked hard to put this event together. The task force is so grateful for their work in the community,” she added. 

To register for the event, visit Saving Lives Task Force's Events Website. For more information, email Bonnie Bennett at BeachBonnie292@gmail.com.