Author: Jesse Rowe

Los Angeles County Students Recognized for Creating Mental Health and Suicide Prevention PSAs

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The Directing Change Program & Film Contest recently announced regional winners and statewide finalists for its 2023 student film competition, in which young people across the state applied their creativity to projects centered on suicide prevention, awareness of mental health resources, destigmatizing mental illness, and strategies for coping through tough times. Through its contests, Directing Change engages youth by providing lesson plans and instructional tools to educators and educational resources to students. Youth apply this knowledge to their own unique message about suicide prevention and mental health by creating films and art. 

Several of the films created by Los Angeles County youth will be screened and recognized at the program’s 11th Annual Screening and Award Ceremony on May 16th hosted at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel.  Reserve your free ticket here: https://directingchangeca.org/2023-award-ceremony/

Directing Change was founded on the idea that stories are one of the most powerful tools for elevating conversations around critical health topics, changing norms, challenging harmful perceptions, and inspiring action toward more inclusive communities. The program encourages young people to be courageous and genuine, using their creative talents and artistry not only for self-expression and entertainment, but to make a difference as well.

The way youth participants describe their films highlights some of the vital messages at the center of the contest. For instance, the students behind “Your Friend, Avery” shared that the film “demonstrates the importance of having companionship in hard times. It shows how important it is for someone to know when friends, family, or acquaintances are suffering. And it shows that a simple act of comfort can bring hope to someone when it seems like there is none. At the same time, the video also shows that it’s okay for someone dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts to let others know that they are suffering. It’s okay to ask for help and [important] to realize that you are not alone.” Meanwhile, the filmmakers who created “Not All Smiles Are Smiles,” wrote that their film “shows how someone can prevent suicide from happening by reaching out to a trusted adult for help, [such as a] therapist or counselor. In [our] video, we focus on the importance of taking someone seriously when they express thoughts of suicide.”

The following films from Los Angeles County all placed in their respective categories. Thank you to the young filmmakers for sharing such powerful messages!

Suicide Prevention

First Place: “Your Friend, Avery”
John F Kennedy High School
Filmmakers: Miles Gardin, Yelena Reyes Mata
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
Link: https://vimeo.com/801108650

Second Place: “I Am Not Alone”
Inglewood High School/ City Honors Academy
Filmmakers: Elizabeth Perez, Lena Barret, Sergio de la Torre,
Advisor: Tadeo Huazo
Link: https://vimeo.com/805411004

Third Place (Tie): “We Are All in This Together”
Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies Media Magnet
Filmmaker: Matthew Roque
Advisor: Jamal Speakes
Link: https://vimeo.com/801752273

Third Place (Tie): “We’ve Never Been Closer”
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Liam Plunier, Louis Nolte
Advisor: Sara Hills
Link: https://vimeo.com/803229120

Mental Health

First Place Mental Health: “Overthinking”
Lloyde High School
Filmmaker: Gabe Martinez
Advisor: Kevin Brown
Link: https://vimeo.com/803274910

Second Place: “Life in Time Lapse”
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Hannah Swiatek, Sophia Diaz, Linnea Anderson, Lindsey Olivo, Eleanor Myers
Advisor: Sara Hills
Link: https://vimeo.com/802504467

Third Place (Tie): “Sometimes Your Feelings”
Maywood Center for Enriched Studies
Filmmakers: Julissa Hernandez, Amy Chan, Rodselyn Ramirez, Vanessa Guzman, Natalia Lara,
Milenka Melton, Aylin Narvaez, Elvia Barrera
Advisor: James Ng
Link: https://vimeo.com/803615254

Third Place (Tie): “A Wish”
MT. SAC Early College Academy
Filmmakers: Vanessa Ramos, Joshua Fermalino, Isabella Quezada, Giovanna Lopez
Advisor: Rudy Ruiz
Link: https://vimeo.com/803775056

Animated Short

First Place: “Seams”
Claremont High School
Filmmaker: Katie Ray
Advisor: Tamara Kirkpatrick
Link: https://vimeo.com/803735933

LASPN Accepting Nominations for 2023 Hero Awards

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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. Three awards are offered each year: the Outstanding Youth Hero Award, the Outstanding Leadership Hero Award, and the Outstanding Advocacy Hero Award.  The LASPN is now accepting nominations for this year’s LASPN Hero Awards! Please submit your nominations by June 1, 2023.

Outstanding Youth Hero Award: Nominate a youth (under the age of 26), Council, or Youth Organization advocating and providing outreach and education in suicide prevention in Los Angeles County. https://forms.office.com/g/meCH7TLq5t

Outstanding Leadership Hero Award: Nominate a community leader advocating and providing extraordinary leadership and perseverance in suicide prevention in Los Angeles County. https://forms.office.com/g/GfGJGjn5mN

Outstanding Advocacy Hero Award: Nominate a person or agency that has demonstrated innovation in the area(s) of mental health advocacy, stigma reduction, increased help-seeking, resource delivery, and collective community support.
https://forms.office.com/g/QMevDyit2j

Past honorees have included Teen Line (Outstanding Youth Hero), Stephanie Cohen (Hero for Leadership), and Bridget McCarthy (Hero Award for Advocacy.

Outstanding Youth Hero: Teen Line

In recognition of outstanding advocacy, dedication and commitment to suicide prevention.

Hero Award for Leadership: Stephanie Cohen

In recognition of extraordinary leadership, perseverance, and advocacy in suicide prevention.

Hero Award for Advocacy: Bridget McCarthy

In recognition of extraordinary leadership, perseverance, and advocacy in suicide prevention.

A Conversation about Suicide Prevention and Crisis Response

Events

Friday, April 28 – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

510 S. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020, Terrace Level

The Partners in Suicide Prevention Team, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention Network, are in the process of updating the Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention.   The purpose of this meeting is to discuss existing and needed services and supports available to individuals before and after a suicidal crisis. RSVP here:  https://forms.office.com/g/G6txWNkGvn 

Webinar Series Offers Practical Strategies to Support 2QST+ / LGBTQ+ Youth and Their Families

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The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) and LA Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) are pleased to have launched a three-part Suicide Prevention Webinar Series led by Dr. Laura Minero intended to further suicide prevention efforts within the 2QST+ / LGBTQ+ communities. 

The three part series kicked off with ‘Decolonizing our Understanding of 2SQT Communities: Why Intersectionality Matters’. The workshop provided attendee’s with an overview of the history surrounding 2-Spirit, Queer and Trans (2SQT), why and how decolonization matters in our support for those communities and how the praxis of intersectionality can help us reclaim 2SQT/LGBTQ+ inclusive and liberation-based communities and support. 

The second webinar focused on Protecting 2SQT+ Lives: Community Accountability tools for Creating a more 2SQT+ Affirming World. The workshop focused on highlighting 2QST/LGBTQ+ histories of fighting for equality and justice, how they systematically contributed to the mental health realities of 2QST people, and provided hands on strategies that aided in preventing suicide and creating communities where 2SQT populations can thrive. 

The last webinar in the series, scheduled for March 9, 2023 will focus on Providing Cultural Responsiveness, Anti-Racist and Affirming Clinical Care to 2QST+ Youth and Families.   2SQT/LGBTQ+ young people whose caregivers reject them report high levels of negative health problems, and those whose caregivers support them show greater well-being, better general health and significantly decreased risk for suicide, depression, and substance abuse. Several models are available to educate and inform families understand and support their 2SQT/LGBTQ+ youth, across a wide range of practice settings and service systems. Drawing from extensive research, Dr. Minero will discuss the 2SQT/LGBTQ+ Affirming model and highlight evidence-base strategies to support 2SQT/LGBTQ+ youth, their families and 2SQT/LGBTQ+ adult clients; the discussion will also incorporate diverse and intersectional experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color.

  • March 9, 2023 (Thursday)
  • 1:00PM – 2:30PM
  • Web Broadcast – Zoom
  • Registration Link:

https://eventshub.dmh.lacounty.gov/Account/Events/Conferences/Detail/11793

Decolonizing our Understanding of 2SQT Communities: Why Intersectionality Matters Virtual Workshop Webinar

Events

Prior to European colonization, 2-Spirit, Queer and Trans (2SQT) communities were historically celebrated and venerated across the world. This workshop provided an overview of this history, why and how decolonization matters in our provision of support for 2-SQT/LGBTQ+ communities and how the praxis of intersectionality can help us reclaim 2SQT/LGBTQ+ inclusive and liberation-based communities and support. Participants also gained introductory knowledge on gender and sexuality development and an understanding of basic 2SQT+ terminology. 

Recording:
https://lacoe-edu.zoom.us/rec/share/iGtnIHECnwdb-BjdFpTm9mCJIyGl6cdkRtxvTP5K4GdPNHjnSQDMINR_ilNOqNYC.iY0A__pMWt3pyjoT
Passcode: RDkA8Nb+

Members of LASPN’s Youth Advisory Board Launches a Music Playlist Series

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Members of the Outreach and Education Division within the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network’s Youth Advisory Board, kicked off their Music Playlist Series with a Self-Care Playlist. The members came together to create a music playlist to listen to whether you are spending an entire day full of self-care practices or simply interested in hearing some new music throughout your daily routine. Self-care is not linear and everyone has their own way they integrate self-help practices into their lives.

“We hope that this music playlist brings you joy and allows you to distress as you do things that ground you. Please feel free to share this playlist with family and friends! We hope you love it just as much as we do.”

Listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2gzaLgX7ChFe1j5iw99FN5?si=ef513f14385a4423

The Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is an inclusive group of 23 youth, ranging in age from 16 years old to 24, who advocate for improving mental health and well-being and its related social determinants of health for youth countywide.

The youth have received intensive trainings and are supported by vetted adult mentors drawn from the LASPN – mental health professionals, advocates, survivors, providers, researchers, and representatives from various agencies and organizations across Los Angeles County. These adult allies provide support and mentorship to the Youth Advisory Board and pathways to support when dealing with the sensitive topic of mental health and suicide.

Three youth leaders emerged and have been instrumental in founding and leading the LASPN Youth Advisory Board with a special focus on three pillars: Outreach & Engagement, Arts & Social Media and Advocacy & Communication. The LASPN Youth Advisory Board’s official inception was in 2020 but due to the pandemic, actual establishment of the YAB was in 2021.

The youth have developed several videos and participated in engagement activities and events to raise awareness and uplift the crucial role young people play in suicide prevention. Additionally, YAB members have participated in community activities, and as youth content advisors on a curriculum guide for Creative Wellbeing, a healing-informed and mental health promotion approach developed by the Department of Arts & Culture, Department of Mental Health, Office of Child Protection and the Arts for Healing & Justice Network. LASPN youth and mentors will also be taking part in the Department of Arts & Culture’s Healing Centered Engagement (HCE) Initiative created in collaboration with Dr. Shawn Ginwright and the Flourish Agenda to explore the role of arts in HCE and devise an HCE Arts Framework for LA County. 

There will be an opportunity to participate in the Youth Advisory Board in the 2nd cohort. Be on the lookout for information on how to apply for the LASPN Youth Advisory Board starting mid-March. We will have the application information on this website but will also be pushing out the information on our social media platforms and email distribution list. There will be an application and interview process.