On Friday, November 3, 2023, North Side Christian Health Center was a sponsor of the Wells of Refuge Conference, a care and healing conference hosted by Allegheny Center Alliance Church.

NSCHC’s Chief Executive Officer Bethany Blackburn delivered opening remarks and Chief Behavioral Health Officer Dr. Cathy Sigmund was moderator.

Barbara James, Benefits Eligibility Coordinator and Bethany Blackburn, CEO

During the one day conference, attendees learned about types of trauma (e.g., personal, community, ethnic-racial, societal), and related multi-level impacts. They also participated in mini-workshops on developing self-care, community, faith- and church-based trauma care strategies, and wellness hubs. Local and global panelists shared stories, concerns, hope, and interventions.

All attendees had the opportunity to network with public and behavioral health professionals, nonprofits, ethnic communities, and faith-based entities in developing local trauma care initiatives.

Many local, regional, state, and national resources were represented, including Light of Life Rescue Mission, The Salvation Army, Allegheny County Department of Health, and the National Alliance for Mental Illness.