Live Well: Events in New York & Nationwide

 On Tuesday, September 15, join patient advocates, healthcare professionals, and policy leaders for a discussion on the medical realities of vitiligo and the need for equitable access to treatment.  Although vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 3.7 million Americans, many patients continue to face barriers to care because treatments are often viewed as cosmetic rather than medically necessary. This event will explore the physical, emotional, and social impact of vitiligo, highlight gaps in insurance coverage, and discuss opportunities for policymakers and insurers to improve access to evidence-based care. 

 On Saturday, September 12, from 10 AM to 3 PM, Elmhurst Hospital’s Suicide Prevention in Youth Program (ESPY) will host its third annual Block Party to close National Suicide Prevention Week.

The free community event will feature live entertainment, family activities, health and wellness resources, and information on youth mental health and suicide prevention. 

The day will also include Elmhurst Hospital’s 4th Annual Suicide Prevention Walk, bringing the community together to raise awareness, support families and honor lives impacted by suicide.

 Supporting older adults means making sure they have access to the information, services and community connections that can help them remain healthy, independent and engaged.

New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud will host Senate District 19 Senior Resource Day on Thursday, September 17, bringing seniors and their families together with health care, mental health and wellness resources, City and State agencies, and community-based organizations. The free event also offers an opportunity for seniors to connect with others in their community while enjoying refreshments, music, raffles and more.

Recognized as one of the nation’s emerging multicultural beauty and lifestyle platforms, Natural Hair Fest New York is a convention and celebration dedicated to natural beauty, healthy haircare practices, and community empowerment. Happening, Sunday, September 13 at the Brooklyn Sheraton on Duffield Street.

 The 2026 Mental Health America Conference agenda is finally here! Don’t miss your chance to hear from experts as they share practical strategies, innovative tools, and lived experiences.  Join your fellow advocates in Washington, DC to collaborate, connect, and create More Good Days, Together.

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Join NYIC for a virtual training that will explore the basics of sickle cell disease, its prevalence, the intersection of race and sickle cell disease, stigma that people living with SCD may experience when seeking medical care, and available resources and support.

Heal & Rise: Youth & Women’s Mental Health: An evening of powerful conversations, survivor stories, art, film, music, Caribbean cuisine and community—all centered-on healing, connection and mental wellness. September 24 at TD Bank U.S., 1 Vanderbilt Ave., New York City.

 Domestic violence affects more than 10 million Americans each year, yet it is often overlooked as a public health issue. The Center for Health Journalism’s annual symposium helps reporters cover domestic violence with greater nuance and sensitivity.  Journalists nationwide are welcome!

 Introducing two initiatives currently keeping the momentum of the US National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence alive. Hear about The Plan’s whole-of-society approach to IPV prevention and response, the use of newly created tools to guide local action, and opportunities for collaboration.