Each year the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) seeks to award local Los Angeles residents and collectives who advocate and lead in both suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Residents are asked to nominate both youth and adults that show extraordinary efforts in reducing suicide and increasing help-seeking.
This year, the Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) and the Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) hosted the 5th annual suicide prevention Hero Awards Ceremony on September 3, 2026.
The Luncheon honored individuals and community-based organizations who have greatly contributed to raising awareness of suicide prevention. The following organizations and citizens were recognized:
Leadership: Didi Hirsch Mental Health Center Wildfire Recovery Program
Advocacy: Bridget McCarthy
Innovation: A Fighting Chance
Collaboration: South Central Wellness Collaborative (Michaella Huck)
The Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) has appointed Dr. Daisy Gomez as its newest Co-Chair, joining its leadership team to assist with its ongoing efforts in suicide prevention across the county.
Dr. Daisy Gomez is a proud native of South Los Angeles with over 15 years of experience in community violence prevention, specializing in gang reduction and youth development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a Master’s in Forensic Psychology and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology.
A dedicated restorative practitioner, Dr. Gomez focuses on building compassionate systems of care. Her work centers on supporting high-risk and vulnerable populations including individuals and families impacted by complex trauma, systemic injustice, incarceration, and foster care through culturally responsive and healing-centered approaches.
She actively partners with researchers, community-based organizations, and government agencies to design reformative initiatives that expand education and equitable access to mental health services.
Dr. Gomez is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Coalition for Advanced Restorative Equity (CARE4LA), a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing those who care for our communities through restorative professional development, workforce well-being, and leadership cultivation.
The current co-chairs, Tracie Andrews, Cheryl Eskin, and Franklin Romero, expressed their excitement to have Dr. Gomez join the team in an announcement via email. “We are thrilled to have her join our leadership team and look forward to the valuable contributions she will bring to our ongoing efforts in suicide prevention. Her experience and perspective will be a significant asset as we continue to focus on our mission to prevent suicide. We are excited to move forward with Dr. Gomez in this meaningful work together.”
September is Suicide Prevention Month and #SuicidePreventionWeek is September 8th-13th, a time in which individuals, organizations and communities around the country join their voices to broadcast the message that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. Here are some actions you can take during Suicide Prevention Month and beyond to #StartTheConversation at home, at school, and in your community!
Educate yourself and others about suicide warning signs and how to help.
Pain isn’t always obvious. Reach out to someone you are concerned about if you observe one or more of these warning signs, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change:
Talking about or making plans for suicide
Displaying severe/overwhelming emotional pain or distress
Expressing hopelessness about the future
Putting affairs in order and/or giving away possessions
Showing worrisome cues or changes in behavior, such as:
Withdraw from or change in social connections or situations
Changes in sleep
Anger or hostility that seems out of character or context
Recently increase agitation or irritability
If you are concerned about someone, trust your instincts and ask: Are you thinking about suicide?”. And remember that you are not alone in helping someone find their reasons for living. Call or text 988 to reach the Access & Crisis Lifeline (24/7) for yourself or to find support in helping someone else.
Find Hope in Yourself and in Community
If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, sometimes you have to take things moment by moment. Whether it’s connecting with others, breathing, journaling, or reminding yourself of how far you’ve come, there are many small steps you can take. To learn more, visit Now Matters Now, a great resource that uses evidence-based practices to support people in crisis. Learn more at NowMattersNow.org
The 60-second film “Right Now” was created by youth for the Directing Change Film Contest to show how someone can manage thoughts of suicide in the moment.
Engaging in cultural and community traditions can help give us a sense of belonging and support. In the youth-created 60-second film “Rewrite Your History” a young person explores their struggle to feel connected to their Native heritage.
Youth Council Member Katelyn G. created an animated graphic that can be downloaded as part of the Youth Suicide Prevention Month Activities Toolkit from Youth Creating Change. Download it here: www.YouthCreatingChange.org/events
On September 10th, Light a Candle to Symbolize Hope. On World Suicide Prevention Day, light a candle near a window (or on social media) to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a loved one, and for survivors of suicide loss.
People who have lost someone to suicide often do not receive the same compassion from others that those who have lost a loved one another way experience. Some of this is because people are uncomfortable talking about suicide. Consider reaching out to someone who has lost a friend or loved one to suicide. Ask them about how the person they lost lived rather than focusing on the way they died. The more we talk about suicide and suicide prevention, the more we can reduce the stigma around the subject and infuse our communities with hope and healing.
Support Groups:
Survivors After Suicide (SAS) https://didihirsch.org/services/suicide-prevention
Healing Conversations: Personal Support for Survivors of Suicide Loss https://afsp.org/healing-conversations
And finally, check in with yourself and with someone in your life. Remind them that they are never a bother. If you need help or someone to listen, connect with one of these resources.
The Los Angeles Department of Mental Health and the Faith-Based Advocacy Council will be hosting an interfaith clergy roundtable on Oct. 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Northweast Mental Health Center in Los Angeles. The roundtable discussion will bring together faith leaders, community members and mental health professionals to discuss how they can collaborate to improve mental health resources, reduce stigma, and strengthen the well-being of the Los Angeles community. This event is intended to provide an opportunity to meet fellow leaders, learn about the programs and services offered, and explore ways leaders can partner to support those in need.
SA4 Clergy Interfaith Collaborative: The Clergy Roundtable Meet and Greet
When: Wednesday October 8, 2025, 10:00AM-12:00 PM
Where: Northeast Mental Health Center, 3303 N Broadway La Ca 9003
The Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network is now accepting nominations for the 4th Annual LASPN Hero Awards now through Sunday, July 27, 2025. Each year the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) seeks to award local Los Angeles residents who advocate and lead in both suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Residents are asked to nominate both youth and adults that show extraordinary efforts in reducing suicide and increasing help-seeking.
Submit your nominations in by Sunday, July 27, 2025 through the QR codes or click on the descriptions in the PDF.
