Some stories take years to tell. At the 2026 Summit on Behavioral Health in Energy Country, Lisa Kostelecky shares an honest and deeply human conversation about addiction, mental health, recovery, and the power of telling the truth about what we carry.
Read MoreBehavioral health professionals carry some of the most important and demanding work in our communities. The 2026 Summit on Behavioral Health in Energy Country offers two days of practical learning, collaboration, and approved CEUs designed to strengthen knowledge, connection, and community impact across North Dakota.
Read MoreSuicide prevention often begins with something simple: noticing when someone is struggling and choosing not to look away. Dan Brown and Daniel Kerr bring a powerful message of resilience, connection, and shared responsibility to the 2026 Summit on Behavioral Health in Energy Country, reminding communities that no one should fight this battle alone.
Read MoreWhen a child faces a behavioral health crisis, every response matters. Chettie Greer of Emergency Medical Services for Children explores the growing reality of pediatric mental health emergencies across North Dakota and how communities, first responders, educators, and healthcare providers can work together to create more compassionate, coordinated pathways to care and healing.
Read MoreBehind every behavioral health service is a system of policies, funding, and partnerships that determines whether help is available when people need it most. Pam Sagness, Executive Director of North Dakota’s Behavioral Health Division, shares how statewide leadership is shaping the future of behavioral health across the state.
Read MoreBehavior is rarely random. It often reflects anxiety, trauma, unmet needs, and environments that overwhelm young people. Rich Smith of Dickinson Public School District explores how schools and communities can move beyond punishment to build systems that create connection, stability, and hope.
Read MoreSome things are counted. Others are carried. Melissa Markegard brings clarity to the reality of suicide in North Dakota, connecting data to human impact and offering a path toward prevention that begins long before crisis.
Read MoreHuman trafficking is often hidden in plain sight. Stacey Schaffer of 31:8 Project brings a grounded perspective to the 2026 Summit, helping communities recognize what is often missed and respond with clarity and care.
Read MoreTrevor Bolme brings the kind of lived truth that changes a room. His recovery journey moves from addiction, incarceration, and shame to SMART Recovery, peer support, and the steady work of helping others believe they are not alone. Today he serves as a peer support specialist with Face It TOGETHER in Bismarck, showing what becomes possible when dignity is restored and communities remove barriers like housing instability, stigma, and isolation.
Read MoreWhen words fall short, art creates a path forward. Explore how creative expression supports healing, reduces stigma, and is transforming behavioral health outreach in rural communities.
Read MoreThe 2026 Summit on Behavioral Health in Energy Country is building a lineup that feels human, useful, and grounded in real community needs. One speaker already confirmed is keynote Brandon Saho, creator of The Mental Game. His interactive session offers practical tools for emotional regulation, stigma reduction, and supporting each other before stress becomes crisis.
Read MoreIn western North Dakota, people show up for each other. We do it in small ways and in big ways. We bring meals. We cover a shift. We check on a neighbor who has gone quiet. We also show up by learning together, especially when the challenges are complex and the stakes are high.
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