NAVFRW Hosts 2026 San Diego Wellness Summit for Veterans and First Responders

The National Association for Veteran and First Responder Wellness (NAVFRW) is set to host its second annual summit, this time in San Diego on September 17, 2026. The one-day event, which is free and open to the public, aims to unite healthcare leaders, public safety agencies, government officials, and community organizations to advance the mental health and wellness of veterans, first responders, and their families.

The summit, titled "2026 San Diego Wellness Summit," will take place at Liberty Station in San Diego. It is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, a title sponsor that has supported the cause of veteran and first responder wellness through previous events. NAVFRW expects between 250 to 300 attendees at the gathering, which will focus on key areas such as suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, and the systems that support the wellness of those who serve.

This summit builds on the success of the organization's inaugural event held in Arlington, Virginia, on June 3, 2025. That gathering drew 179 leaders from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Homeland Security, local and state agencies, and healthcare organizations, all of whom participated in discussions centered around suicide prevention, resilience, and cross-agency partnership.

Aimee Johnson, LCSW, Co-Founder and Board Secretary of NAVFRW, emphasized the importance of the summit. "Veterans and first responders carry the weight of service in ways that too often go unseen," Johnson said. "Their wellness impacts all of us. We want to send a clear message to those who serve: your community supports you."

The summit will feature cross-sector education, applied innovation, and practical collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts and leaders in the field, share best practices, and discuss innovative solutions to address the unique mental health challenges faced by veterans and first responders.

NAVFRW remains committed to equipping and connecting leaders responsible for veteran and first responder wellness through national and regional summits, CEU-accredited training, and partnerships that connect the people and systems that matter most to their overall wellness.