Guests raise their paddles at the 2026 Sound Minds. -COURTESY PHOTO
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health held its annual Sound Minds signature event on Thursday, March 19, bringing together residents, advocates and community leaders from across Collier County and Southwest Florida to support mental health and substance use services. As Southwest Florida continues to face the worst mental health and substance use crisis in its history, Sound Minds highlighted the importance of expanding access to care and building a healthier future for the community. Well-known advocates use their fame and experience to increase awareness of the prevalence of mental health related needs at this and upcoming events.
In March, an inspiring conversation with actor, humanitarian and advocate for our nation’s service members and first responders, Gary Sinise, led the Sound Minds event that raised $1.9 million in critical funding to ensure DLC can continue to provide and expand access care. This care includes for children, families and adults, regardless of their ability to pay.
“David Lawrence Centers plays a vital role in strengthening behavioral health care in Southwest Florida. Their mission to provide lifesaving and life-changing services through education, prevention and treatment to all reflects a deep commitment to the wellbeing of our community,” said Garrett Richter, one of the event’s honorary co-chairs and chairman of DLC’s Board of Directors. “Sound Minds helps make that mission possible, bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.”
In his conversation with mental health advocate Jennifer Trammel, Sinise spoke about his advocacy on behalf of America’s service members and first responders, the challenges veterans and first responders face, and the invisible wounds they carry.
Jennifer Trammel and Gary Sinese. -COURTESY PHOTO
“At David Lawrence Centers, our mission is rooted in hope,” said Scott Burgess, CEO of David Lawrence Centers. “With the support of our partners and supporters, we can expand our programs and ensure that thousands of people each year can not only overcome their challenges but move forward with strength, stability and opportunity.”
Building upon the success of the evening, DLC announced that advocates Aly Raisman, Elizabeth Smart and Ross Szabo will take the Sound Minds stage on March 18, 2027. Philanthropist Julia Van Domelen will serve as the chair for the 2027 event, and Aeret Restoration is the presenting sponsor.
“We are honored to welcome Aly Raisman, Elizabeth Smart and Ross Szabo to Sound Minds in 2027 to share their perspectives on children’s mental health and the importance of supporting our youth. Their advocacy has inspired countless individuals and helped advance critical conversations around mental wellbeing,” said Burgess. “We are also deeply grateful to have Julia Van Domelen serve as the chair. Her commitment to improving the lives of children has helped shape the future of behavioral health care in Collier County.”
Aly Raisman. -COURTESY PHOTO
Elizabeth Smart. -COURTESY PHOTO
Raisman was the team captain of the gold medal winning U.S.A. Women’s Gymnastics teams in 2012 and 2016. As one of the most decorated American gymnasts of all time, Raisman uses her platform to help normalize the conversation around mental health, encourage positive body image and promote the importance of self-care. She is a two-time New York Times best-selling author, an on-air analyst for ESPN’s college gymnastics broadcast, and a sought-after brand ambassador and keynote speaker. Inspired by an army of survivors, Raisman is a leading advocate for systemic change in the sport of gymnastics and the eradication of sexual abuse.
In one of the most followed child abduction cases, Smart was abducted on June 5, 2002. Her captors controlled her by threatening to kill her and her family if she tried to escape. She was returned home on March 12, 2003, after being held prisoner for nine months. Through this traumatic experience, she became a national advocate for changes related to child abduction, recovery programs and national legislation. The founder of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and a New York Times best-selling author, Smart continues to motivate parents, law enforcement and leaders worldwide to focus on children’s safety.
Ross Szabo. -COURTESY PHOTO
Szabo is the CEO of the Human Power Project, an award-winning mental health speaker, writer, trainer and returned Peace Corps volunteer. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 16, Szabo uses tasteful humor and insights to help community members understand common mental health conditions and individual differences, warning signs people can look for in their friends, peers and children.
For more information about DLC’s Sound Minds event, visit DLCSoundMinds.org.
Southwest Florida nonprofit DLC provides compassionate and advanced mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents, and adults. DLC’s treatments include inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves 8,000 people through over 331,000 treatment sessions.
Locations include the initial main campus, 6075 Bathey Lane, Naples; 425 North First Street Immokalee and a satellite office at 2806 S. Horseshoe Drive, Naples. The main campus is undergoing a $12.5 million rebuild and expansion of the administration building to be complete later in 2026 as the $56 million Collier County Behavioral Health Center, near Bathey Lane, is underway as well.
To learn more, visit DLCenters.org or call 239-455-8500. For 24/7 emergency crisis line call 239-352-4357.