At every stage of life, from early childhood to adulthood, mental health shapes how we learn, work, connect and thrive. Yet for many individuals and families, knowing where to turn for support remains a challenge. On Saturday, April 25, 2026, Riverside Health and its community partners will bring the community together for a powerful day of education, resources and conversation focused on breaking down barriers to mental health care.
Riverside Health, in partnership with Truist Bank, Hampton University, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, and the Urban League of Hampton Roads will host its fifth annual Health Equity Panel from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hampton University Student Center.
This year’s theme, “Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Community Health and Healing,” will focus on addressing mental health needs. This free, community-focused event is designed to help community members better understand how to prioritize mental health and connect with available services. Attendees will receive free health-related resources and enjoy a complimentary lunch featuring television personality and nationally recognized Keynote Speaker Judge Glenda Hatchett, community resource fair, breakout sessions and a main panel discussion featuring local industry experts.
“Our mental health shapes our educational outcomes, our relationships, our careers, and our quality of life. Too many children, adults, and older adults suffer in silence because access, stigma, and systemic barriers stand in the way of care,” says Judge Glenda Hatchett. “I’m honored to join Riverside’s Health Equity panel to have this critical conversation about ensuring that every individual, at every stage of life, has the support they deserve.”
The panel will bring together healthcare leaders, educators and community advocates to explore strategies for prevention, early intervention and equitable access to care. Through meaningful dialogue and collaboration, organizers aim to address disparities that continue to impact underserved communities.
“Mental health touches every family, every generation, and every community, and we recognize that early support, consistent access, and culturally responsive care can truly change life outcomes,” says Toiya Sosa, Associate Vice President of Health Access and Community Partnerships at Riverside Health. “The challenges people face at age 8 look different at 28 or 68, but the need for access, dignity, and understanding remains constant. This event is about turning awareness into action and building systems that support people at every stage of life.”
The annual panel is part of Riverside’s ongoing commitment to advancing health equity through education, early detection and community-centered care. By creating spaces for conversation and connection, Riverside and its community partners continue to work toward reducing stigma and ensuring access to high-quality mental health services for all.
“Mental health touches every individual, family, and community in the Commonwealth, yet access to care is not always available,” said Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin Figueroa. “It affects whether a child can learn in school, whether adults can work and support themselves and their families, and whether our seniors can age with dignity. Our collective responsibility is to make sure the system actually works so that when someone reaches out, care is there. Events like this bring us one step closer to that goal.”
The event is free and open to the public. To learn more or register for the Health Equity Panel, visit riversideonline.com/2026healthequitypanel.