Health Equity Panel: Mental Health Across the Lifespan - Eastern Shore

April 25, 2026
This free Health Equity Panel convenes a diverse audience committed to advancing health and reducing barriers to health care. The event includes an expert panel discussion and keynote speaker TV Judge Glenda Hatchett who will discuss self-care. A community resource fair will also take place with free giveaways and resources. 
 
This event will bring together mental health professionals, educators, caregivers, and community leaders to discuss mental wellness and support at every stage of life. The primary goal is to foster resilience, reduce stigma, and improve access to culturally competent care within the community. The discussion will focus on the evolving mental health needs of individuals across different life stages (e.g., youth, general adults, older adults) and emphasize collective action for building healthier communities.
 
Location:
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital
20480 Market Street
Onancock, VA 23417
 
Moderator:
Betsy Lang, MHA,BSN, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ, Behavioral Health Director, Riverside Mental Health and Recovery Center
 
Co-Moderator:
Ryan G. McQueen, M.D., Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Riverside Mental Health and Recovery Center
 
Our Expert Panelists:
  • Stacey Johnson LCSW, MBA, Riverside Mental Health and Recovery Center, Hospital President/VP
  • Kristie Norwoord, PhD, Hampton University, Director of Student Counseling Center 
  • Juanita Burtt, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • James Rapley, M.D., Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Psychiatrist and Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
  • Vanessa Jenkins, Ed.D., Norfolk State University, Director of Health & Wellness
  • Francine Pearce, M.D., MBA, Sentara, Medical Director of Health Impact and Engagement

Registration is required. To register, please click on the yellow Register Now button to the right and complete the form. The registration deadline is Saturday, April 18, 2026.

For more information, please email Sally Schreiber at [email protected].

We look forward to you joining us at this event!

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Aug

25

Meet & Greet with the providers of Riverside Cancer Specialists of Tidewater & Infusion Center

Join the providers of Riverside Cancer Specialists of Tidewater & Infusion Center for an informal evening at Wasserhund Brewing Company. This meet and greet offers an opportunity to connect with our oncology team, learn more about our approach to care and strengthen collaboration in support of your patients.

You’ll have the opportunity to:
  • Connect directly with our medical oncologists and care team
  • Learn about our process for timely access to new and urgent cancer referrals
  • Understand our approach to coordinated care across health systems and community practices
  • See how we maintain communication throughout treatment and follow-up care
  • Build relationships that support seamless care for shared patients

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Wasserhund Brewing Company - On the patio
510 Belaire Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23320

For more information, contact Sharon at 757-436-2995.

We look forward to you joining us!
__________________________________

About Riverside Cancer Specialists of Tidewater & Infusion Center

At Riverside Cancer Specialists of Tidewater, we provide comprehensive medical oncology, hematology and infusion services for patients across Chesapeake, Suffolk and Virginia Beach.
 
Our approach is grounded in close collaboration with referring providers. We work alongside primary care physicians, surgeons, radiation oncologists and specialists to ensure care plans are aligned and communication stays clear throughout treatment.
 
Our physicians are active in the Tidewater community, with privileges at multiple local hospitals and participation in regional tumor boards across health systems. We prioritize prompt access for new cancer patients and strive to make the referral process straightforward and responsive.
 
To learn more visit, riversideonline.com/cst.

Tuesday 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Wasserhund Brewing Company
510 Belaire Avenue
Chesapeake, VA, 23320

Cancer Care

Aug

26

Dump the Grump? A Thoughtful Look at Irritability, Aging and Men's Mental Health

Join us for an engaging and insightful Lunch-n-Learn exploring the often-overlooked topic of men’s mental health as they age. Men are often encouraged to express their emotions - until they grow older. This thought-provoking session examines the paradox of emotional expectations placed on aging men, the roots of irritability, and how we can better support healthy emotional expression rather than suppression.

Lunch-n-Learn: Dump the Grump? A Thoughtful Look at Irritability, Aging, and Men's Mental Health

📅 August 26
📍 Martha W. Goodson Training Center, 460 McLaws Circle, Suite 130, Williamsburg, VA

🕦 Lunch: 11:30 AM
🕛 Presentation (Hybrid): 12:00 - 1:00 PM

  This session is offered in a hybrid format:

  • In-person attendance is limited to 24 participants
  • Virtual participation is unlimited
  • Please indicate your preferred attendance method when registering

Presenter:
Mike Verano, LPC, LMFT, CEAP, CCISM, BC-TMH, CCTP, CFRC
Mike Verano is a highly experienced licensed therapist with over 30 years in the mental health field. A nationally recognized speaker, he holds multiple certifications including trauma, tele-mental health, and critical incident stress management. Mike has published extensively in national and international outlets, contributes regularly to Psychology Today and CURE Magazine, and is the author of several books focused on stress, mindfulness, and cancer survivorship.

📖 Featured Reading:
From Grumpy Old Man to "Irritable Male Syndrome" - Psychology Today

Registration is required and limited to 24 in person participants. To register, click the yellow REGISTER NOW button to the right and complete the form. Registration closes on XXXX, 2026.

For questions, please contact [email protected] or call (757) 220-4751.
 
We look forward to you joining us!

Wednesday 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Martha W. Goodson Training Center
460 McLaws Circle, Suite 130
Williamsburg, VA, 23185

The Martha W. Goodson Center

Aug

29

In-Person Understanding Birth Class - Saturday's

This class allows moms-to-be and their partner or support person to explore the many choices available to make their birth experience personal and positive. The course includes comprehensive information on pregnancy, labor and birth, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques.

This class is being offered the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and one Saturday morning a month from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.
 
Registration is required.  Attendance is limited to the expectant mother and 1 additional person, therefore ONLY the expectant mother needs to register. Registration will close once the class has reached capacity.
 
To register click the yellow 'Register Now' button to the right and complete the form. Please be sure to provide your email address. Once the form is completed, click the yellow 'NEXT' button to submit your registration.  
 
As the class date approaches, you will receive a reminder email with additional information about the class.
 
Your instructor will meet you in the Tower Lobby of Riverside Regional Medical Center to take you to the classroom.
 
We look forward to you joining us!

Saturday 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Riverside Regional Medical Center
500 J. Clyde Morris Blvd
Newport News, VA, 23601

Women's Health