PHMC joined subsidiary Joseph J. Peters Institute (JJPI) in hosting the inaugural Voices of Hope Reception on Thursday, May 5, honoring the leadership and legacy of Michael K. Pearson, President and CEO of PHMC. Michael will retire in June 2026 from PHMC after decades of service advancing public health across our region.
The event, which recognized National Mental Health Awareness Month, raised more than $80,500 for PHMC’s Behavioral Health services and JJPI.
Speakers who shared their gratitude and appreciation for Michael included Diana Cortes, Esq. of Morgan Lewis, PHMC Board Member Marcus Allen, PHMC Board President Kate Kinslow, Hon. Renée Cardwell Hughes, and Councilmember Jeffrey Young. Councilmember Young presented a City Council citation honoring Michael’s advocacy for public health and mental health awareness.
In accepting the accolades from his colleagues, Michael shared his personal journey with mental health, highlighting the importance of support for Black men and veterans in particular.
Additionally, Dr. Ivan Haskell, Executive Director of JJPI, and Dr. Anthony Rostain, a JJPI board member, spoke about the impact of JJPI’s work providing expert clinical care and evidence-based treatments for those experiencing the effects of trauma. They highlighted an impact story about the Vaux Partnership to Address Trauma and Healing (PATH) program. The PATH program, through generous support from TD Bank, co-locates clinicians at the Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Vaux Community Center to provide behavioral health support for children and adults affected by trauma.
“[JJPI] helped me heal and move forward by being able to express myself, letting things out,” shared Mark, a JJPI participant, in the video. “Every time I leave here, I feel good. I feel great.” Watch the video here.
View our photos from the event here. Photos by Neroni Photography.
Thank you to our event sponsors for their support of Voices of Hope and both JJPI and PHMC’s work in mental and behavioral health.
Gold
Tompkins Bank
Silver
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia Foundation
Philaport
TD Bank
Bronze
Acrisure
BDP Impact Real Estate
Cozen O’Connor
Inperium
Iron Stone Real Estate Partners
Maven Communications
Tuttleman Foundation
PWRT Service, Inc.
Urban Engineers
Business Partner
African-American Chamber of Commerce PA, NJ, & DE
DSG | Global
Grey Fox Wealth
Judson Pearl Risk Solutions
KQT Aikens Partners
Marshall Dennehey
Maven Inc.
NFP, an Aon Company
Sam and Deidre Patterson Foundation
Saramar Foundation
United Way of Philadelphia and Greater New Jersey
Zarwin Baum
