HCC Fall Networking Breakfast & Training

About the Event: This is an annual event where the HCC coalition members and community partners gather to network and learn. It is an opportunity to deepen community connections and build new ones, learn about the coalition activities and ways multiple community sectors can come together and collaborate for a common goal of strengthening our community through building resiliency and substance misuse prevention. Keynote Presentation

Through his captivating storytelling and lived experiences, Eric Kussin builds camaraderie and connection during his workshops to normalize mental health conversations and promote wellness. He uses visual aids to illustrate how mental health is often erroneously addressed in today’s culture, through the media and advertising. The session will discuss various aspects of mental health through a collaborative lens, fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable, supported, and part of a united team.

For questions, please contact Natalia Leusner at natalia@capeassist.org

About Eric Kussin

Eric Kussin is a sought-after international keynote speaker. After graduating Cornell University, Magna Cum Laude, Kussin spent many years as a professional sports executive starting his career at the NBA League Office and then transitioning to management positions with such teams as the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Devils, and Florida Panthers. Eric was in the midst of his ascending career when a debilitating mental health crisis stopped his life in its tracks. The impacts of unresolved personal life traumas began affecting his mental health. Eric spent two and a half years almost permanently in bed and with severe cognitive impairments. Kussin underwent many failed treatments – including trying over 50 combinations of prescription medications, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), IV Ketamine, as well as Electro-Convulsive Therapy. Eventually, he was told that he is “treatment-resistant”. It wasn’t long after hearing this that he was introduced to integrative and holistic approaches to treat his mind, body, and central nervous system. Thus began his journey to wellness and getting his life back.

On his path to mental wellbeing, Eric became determined to share his story of challenges and triumphs in an effort to help others and launched a non-profit: The #SameHere Global Mental Health Movement. The organization is comprised of athletes, celebrities, expert practitioners, advocates, and everyday heroes who’ve come together to normalize society’s perception of mental health and make it a part of everyday conversation. The organization has partnered with and brought together the inventors and lead researchers of many of the world’s leading mind-body modalities under the brand of “STARR” (Stress & Trauma Active Release & Rewiring) or a “Gym for the Brain”. Their #SameHere Movement has swept across college campuses in the US from Cornell to USC, K-12’s, Corporate Offices from CNBC to JPM Chase, Professional Sports Teams from the Golden State Warriors to the New York Mets, and military & first responder groups from the NYPD to the DOD. The Movement has recently begun to expand globally as well, with events outside of the US. Eric hosts a podcast called “We’re All A Little ‘Crazy’” with NHL great Theo Fleury, and has launched an app called “SameHere Scale” to normalize emotional health monitoring & daily check-ins.  To keep connected to sports, Eric consults for a number of professional sports teams and leagues, guiding their ticket and sponsorship sales and retention efforts.