Welcome:

The Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC) was recently awarded a Service Access and Equity Grant to address a growing need for mental health resources for persons served by ELARC. Under this grant, ELARC was able to create a new position for a Mental Health Specialist to research and develop new resources, provide consultations with individuals, and increase information or trainings to our community. In efforts to address ongoing concerns with service equity, one of the main focus areas of this grant will be to outreach and work with ELARC’s commonly underserved population. By connecting with local service providers and developing relationships with mental health stakeholders, ELARC hopes to increase awareness and reduce the negative stigma that is often associated with mental health, while making resources easier to access for those that we serve.

9-8-8

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988 is the free phone number for anyone experiencing emotional distress or any crisis related to mental health, including suicide and substance use. Calling 988 will connect you to trained mental health counselors, and if needed, in-person crisis assistance from mental health field intervention teams. The lifeline offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about someone else who may need crisis support. Simply dial 988, text to 988, or chat on the 988 website (988lifeline.org), any time of day or night to receive assistance.

---

Meet ELARC's Mental Health Specialist

Ivanna Ayala is the Mental Health Specialist at the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center. Her role is to support the expansion of mental health access and resources for persons served by the agency. She is in the Community Services Department and is available to consult with service coordinators, individuals, and their families about their mental health needs. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ivanna at:

Ivanna Ayala iayala@elarc.org
(626) 299 – 4897 

Families and individuals served by ELARC who are interested in a consultation with Ivanna should contact their service coordinator.

---

Upcoming Events:

No Current Events.

Previous Events:

Department of Mental Health Workshop Series: 

The Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center hosted a workshop series presented by the Department of Mental Health on various topics. See the previous events listed below for more details and to access the PowerPoint presentations. Be on the lookout for similar events in 2024. 

• August 9, 2023 - Navigating Systems from a Special Needs Perspective: Presented by Lisa Schoyer and Brigida Salinas (Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health). View the Power Point Presentation.

• 9/26/23: Mental Health and Stigma: Changing the Story
  • View their Power Point Presentation in your preferred language: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean
• 10/03/23: Understanding Childhood Behaviors and Disorders
  • View their Power Point Presentation in your preferred language: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean
• 10/10/23: Awareness, Treatment and Recovery from Anxiety
  • View their Power Point Presentation in your preferred language: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean
• 10/17/23: Awareness, Treatment and Recovery from Depression
  • View their Power Point Presentation in your preferred language: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean
• 10/24/23: Family Violence Awareness, Prevention and Resilience
  • View their Power Point Presentation in your preferred language: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean
• 10/31/23: Child Abuse Prevention and Resilience
  • View their Power Point Presentation in your preferred language: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean
• 11/07/23: Bullying Prevention-Kindness, Acceptance, Inclusion
  • View their Power Point Presentation in your preferred language: English, Spanish, Korean

---

Research and Data Analysis

• ELARC has partnered with Kinetic Flow, a third-party research agency, to assist with ongoing evaluation of activities under this grant. In partnership with Kinetic Flow, we have developed pre- and post-surveys for our service coordinators, families, and the community. Please take a moment to provide us with your important input by completing the following brief survey: Follow this link to Survey (https://bit.ly/ELARCAboutMH)

• Training & Research to Empower NeuroDiversity (TREND) Lab is a new lab at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) - Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics. TREND is currently recruiting adolescents with autism (14-17 years old) to be part of a study that examines depression and other aspects of mental health (e.g., friendships, response to rewards). This study will take place over a one year period with a total of four visits. Participation is voluntary. To participate in their study, follow this link, https://redcapsurveys.med.usc.edu/surveys/... For more details, view their FLYERS in English or Spanish. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) provides information to assist providers and families of individuals with a developmental disabilities and mental health needs. View their policies, relationship with regional centers, mental health strategies, and resources at their website: https://dmh.lacounty.gov/our-services/developmental-disabilities/

Access the LACDMH provider directory and filter by location, preferred language, type of program, and age group to see local agencies that are providing public mental health services near you. Visit their website: https://dmh.lacounty.gov/pd/

What is the Take Action Initiative?

 The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s Take Action movement promotes wellness and well-being while sharing the vast array of resources and services provided by the nation’s largest behavioral health department.

 Visit their website at, https://www.takeactionla.com/

 View their events page to participate and join them, https://www.takeactionla.com/events

Resources:

Feel free to view, download, and share our Mental Health Resource Directory below.