Telecare's Lori Fischer Delivers Keynote at OC Mental Health Awareness Night

On May 12, 2026, OC Health Care Agency Behavioral Health Services hosted Mental Health Awareness Night in Santa Ana, an evening dedicated to raising awareness and recognizing those supporting others on their road to recovery.

Telecare's own Lori Fischer, Peer Recovery Coach at Orange County AOT and CARE Act program, took the stage as Keynote Speaker and delivered a message that earned her a standing ovation. Her speech centered around this year’s theme, “Hope. Heal. Thrive.” and drew from her own lived experience in recovery.

"Every day, I walk alongside people who remind me of where I’ve been and how far we can all go. I get to support individuals in using their strengths, their coping skills, and their own inner wisdom as they navigate their paths to recovery. I get to hold hope for them, just as others once did for me.

Peer support is not about giving answers — it’s about walking beside someone as they discover their own. It’s kindness, compassion, and meeting people exactly where they are. It’s believing in someone’s capacity to heal long before they see it themselves. It’s celebrating the victories — big and small — and offering steady support through the challenges.

This is what it means to thrive.”

Telecare showed up in a big way that evening. TAO Central was nominated for the Contracted Provider Agency Award, with Program Administrator Felicia Taing attending alongside staff and members. Home First North FSP’s Peer Recovery Coach Heidi Dyell shared her personal recovery journey with the audience. Also in attendance were Sarah Scott, Regional Quality Coordinator and Trainer for Orange County, and Lei Portugal Calloway, Peer Team Lead at AOT and CARE Act program.

We love that Lori and our Orange County teams are out in the community championing mental health awareness and the power of peer support!