In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) launched its Take Action for Mental Health LA County campaign this week.
Take Action for Mental Health LA County focuses on helping residents support their own mental health and the mental health of people they care about. The campaign’s call to action encourages people to take action for themselves and others through the LACDMH 24/7 Help Line and the myriad of resources available from LACDMH along each person’s unique well-being journey.
The campaign aims to prevent and reduce risk factors by decreasing stigma surrounding mental illness and providing people the tools and connections to seek help for themselves or a loved one.
As part of the campaign, grant-funded community events will take place throughout May and June 2023 and include free community fairs, art festivals, after-school programs, yoga and 5K run/walk activities, professional conferences, mental health trainings, outreach campaigns and more.
Additionally, LACDMH will host free community fairs in each of the eight LA County service planning areas. Each event will provide free resources, connections, physical and mental well-being themed giveaway items and free meals in atmospheres to foster community and togetherness. All events will focus on decreasing stigma and discrimination, increasing help-seeking behaviors, awareness of and access to mental health services and resources.
“LACDMH recognizes the importance of listening to our stakeholders and partnering with our diverse communities to meet LA County residents where they are,” said LA County Director Dr. Lisa H. Wong. “The breadth ofTake Action for Mental Health LA County campaign events exemplifies the collaboration and the village it takes to form an interconnected community support system that promotes empathy, self-care and care for others.
“Our hope is that theTake Action for Mental Health LA County campaign will create healthy dialogue, reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage use of LACDMH resources.”
To learn more about the campaign or for a complete list of events in May and June, visit https://takeactionlac.com.