Celebrating Connection • Lived Experience • Hope

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Virtual Event: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
In-Person Celebration: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST
Location: Mental Health Association of Rochester (274 N. Goodman St., Ste. D103, Rochester, NY 14607)

About the Event:

Join the Mental Health Association of Rochester as we recognize Global Peer Support Celebration Day and celebrate the power and impact of peer support in our local and global communities.

This special day will include two opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate the people who use their lived experience to bring hope, understanding, and possibility to others.

A Special Conversation with Patricia Deegan, PhD

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Virtual Event

Join us for a special virtual conversation with Patricia Deegan, PhD, an internationally recognized leader and pioneer in the mental health recovery and peer support movement.

Drawing from decades of advocacy, innovation, and her own lived experience of recovery, Pat will speak directly to the peer community about the power and unique value of peer support while honoring the important work peer supporters do each day to foster hope and connection.

Registration is required. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Register for the Virtual Event

Peer Connections at MHA Rochester

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | In Person

Continue the celebration with an evening of connection and community at MHA Rochester. Local peers and community organizations will come together to recognize the contributions of peer supporters and celebrate the impact of lived experience.

The evening will include special remarks from Monroe County, the unveiling of a new artwork honoring peer support with remarks from the artist, and time to connect, mingle, and celebrate together.

Light refreshments will be provided.

This event is free and open to the peer community.

Register for the In-Person Celebration

This event is hosted by the Mental Health Association of Rochester in collaboration with BIPOC PEEEEEEK, Compeer of Rochester, Delphi Rise, Liberty Resources, NAMI Rochester, and ROME.

We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations for this event. Please email info@mharochester.org with any accommodation requests.