All community members including business leaders, healthcare providers, clergy, parents, teachers, policy makers, and coaches are encouraged to attend the daylong conference. Registration and event details are available at www.letstartearly.org.
“We are very excited that Dr. Pat Levitt is coming to Maine and presenting the latest information about the impact of stress and trauma on children’s brain development,” said Peter Lindsay, Director of Community Impact at United Way of Mid Coast Maine. “Dr. Levitt will share lessons learned about the role of community members in reducing stress, thereby helping to prevent problems from escalating in the first place. By starting early and helping to reduce stress in the home and in the community, all community members can help our region’s children and families thrive.”
Dr. Levitt, who will provide the keynote address, is an internationally renowned neuroscientist from the University of Southern California (USC). His research focuses on the development of brain architecture that controls learning, emotional, and social behavior. He has written and spoken extensively about the genetic and environmental factors that increase risk for developmental and psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Earlier this year, Dr. Levitt was named the Director of the Developmental Neurogenetics Program at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and also continues in his role as Provost Professor of Pediatrics, Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Psychology, and Pharmacy, as well as Director of the Neuroscience Graduate Program at USC. He is also a member of the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child.
In addition to Dr. Levitt’s expertise, participants will benefit from the knowledge gained from a rich agenda of workshops led by more than a dozen community leaders and experts. Workshops are designed to address organizational and individual actions that will help prevent mental health problems and encourage resilience in children, youth, and families. A certificate of attendance will be provided for those seeking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Continuing Medical Education (CMEs).
Lindsay commented that he has been “overwhelmingly pleased by the incredible energy of the planning team for this event and with the positive community response of support.” He noted that, in addition to lead sponsors and organizers Mid Coast Hospital, Bowdoin and United Way, sponsors include Martin’s Point Health Care, Lunder Dineen Foundation, Community Counseling Center, and Sweetser. Area businesses including Bath Savings Institution, FHC, Inc. and Norway Savings also are providing support, and three foundations – John T. Gorman Foundation, Bingham Program and Davenport Trust – are contributors as well.
Lindsay indicated that he and the event planners intend for this to be ”a kick-off event to bring together people from all parts of our community throughout the year to support the healthy development of our youngest children and our youth.”
To learn more or to register for the Symposium, visit www.letstartearly.org
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