The LACDMH Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Administration Community and Stakeholder Engagement Unit invites you to join the last Beyond the Walls safe and inclusive forum meeting to learn about what's changing, available resources and to make your voice heard about issues that matter to you and your community. 📍El Cariso Community Regional Park "Senior Room" 13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar, CA 91342 🕚 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Scan the QR code to stay connected for updates, announcements and ways to get involved. For questions and to learn more email us at [email protected].

Earlier this month, the LACDMH Hollywood 2.0 program received top honors at the 39th annual Los Angeles County Productivity and Quality Awards (PQA) ceremony at the Music Center. With a 49 percent decrease in street homelessness in Hollywood last year, LACDMH’s Hollywood 2.0 Innovations Project earned a place among the County’s Top Ten award winning programs for its community-based care for people with mental illness. LACDMH Director Dr. Lisa H. Wong, also received the Commission Chair Leadership Award, while the family-focused “Prevention Meets Possibility: Reimagined Services” program received a Commissioners’ Legacy Award.

MYTH or FACT?🤔 Thank you for following along in our myth busting series about L.A. County's CARE Court Program. To learn more about CARE Court, visit dmh.lacounty.gov/care🔗

It's Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!🐕 Open your heart and your home to a dog in need. Studies show owning a dog reduces stress, eases loneliness and improves overall emotional wellbeing. Visit animalcare.lacounty.gov to find your new best friend.🐶

This National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month Screening Month, take a moment to check in with yourself and prioritize your mental health. Recognizing the signs and seeking support can make a difference. Call our 24/7 Mental Health & Substance Use Help Line at 800-854-7771 or visit dmh.lacounty.gov for resources and support.

This Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor the histories, cultures and healing practices of indigenous communities across L.A. County and beyond. We recognize the importance of culturally responsive mental health care that respects indigenous identities, traditions and lived experiences. (Please note that today is a County holiday and some of our locations may be closed or operating on a modified schedule. Our 24/7 Help Line remains available at 800-854-7771 if you need support.)

🏳️‍🌈 Coming out is personal. Making your voice heard can be powerful. 🗳️ This National Coming Out Day, we celebrate the courage to live authentically — while recognizing that coming out looks different for everyone, and no one should ever feel pressured to do so. There are many ways to show up for yourself and your community. For eligible voters, participating in an election is one of them. 🗓️ Election Day: November 3 🗳️ Make your plan: plan.lavote.gov Be proud. Be heard. Be part of what comes next.

Earthquake ready? Practice your “Drop, Cover, Hold” skills and join millions who are improving their level of earthquake safety by participating in Great #ShakeOut Earthquake Drills next Thursday, October 15th at 10:15 am. Learn more at ShakeOut.org.

Our offices will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Support is available 24/7 through our Mental Health and Substance Use Help Line at (800) 854-7771 and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

MYTH or FACT?🤔 We're setting the record straight about the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program's common misconceptions. Follow along in our new series as we share the truth about Los Angeles County's CARE Court Program. ✅ To learn more about CARE Court, visit dmh.lacounty.gov/care🔗

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.💗 Breast cancer affects more than your body, it can take a toll on mental health. You don't have to navigate it alone. Support, care and resources are here for you. Visit our Breast Cancer Mental Health Resources page to learn more: dmh.lacounty.gov/breast-canc… (link in bio).

Last week, LACDMH Director Dr. Lisa H. Wong joined Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, the L.A. County Department of Public Works and more for the groundbreaking of the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Drop-In Center in Willowbrook. The $18 million investment will provide integrated mental health, physical health and education and employment support for transition age youth, ages 12 to 25. The center will feature lounge areas, a TV room, laundry area, lockers, quiet zones and gathering spaces to facilitate individual and group activities. Visitors and clients can access a broad range of services and resources, including behavioral health services, employment and housing assistance, education support, help with basic needs and social activities with peers.

The LACDMH Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Administration Community and Stakeholder Engagement Unit invites you to join the Beyond the Walls safe and inclusive forum to learn about what's changing, available resources and to make your voice heard about issues that matter to you and your community. Scan the QR code to stay connected for updates, announcements and ways to get involved. For questions and to learn more email us at [email protected].

💭💭 Civic action starts with knowing your rights. Get informed, stay safe, and make your voice heard with confidence. 🔗🔗 Visit dyd.lacounty.gov/KYR to access resources, tools, and downloadable materials. Stay tuned for more information, such as mental health tips and more!

There are lots of good moments to talk…but sometimes you have to be the one to break the ice. Ask the youth in your life how they’re ~really~ doing. Make sure they know you’re always here to listen and help. When you keep the conversation going, you can help prevent suicide. It’s so important that they understand that they’re not alone and they’re never a bother.