Category: Front Page News

LASPN Appoints New Co-Chair, Dr. Daisy Gomez

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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.”

Building Communities of Hope: Resources and Activities for Suicide Prevention Month

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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
  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health – Adult and Child Bereavement Groups  Email: suicideprevention@dmh.lacounty.gov
  • 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.

LA Department of Mental Health and Faith-Based Advocacy Council to Host Upcoming Interfaith Collaborative Roundtable Meet and Greet

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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

The Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network is now accepting nominations for the 4th Annual LASPN Hero Awards

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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. 

LASPN Award Nominations Flyer with LinksDownload

2024 LASPN Hero Awardees

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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. New award categories were added this year and a total of six awards were granted.

The Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Council is Proud to recognize the 2024 Awardees!

2424 Hero Award WinnersDownload

Hero Awards

Front Page News

2023 LASPN Hero Awardees

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 Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Council is Proud to recognize the 2023 Awardees!

Laura Abbasi (she/hers) is an Associate Regional Field Director with Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country. She works to elevate suicide prevention and awareness in support of the efforts of Moms Demand Action Chapters across the country and also manages the California Chapter. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Hofstra University and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the NewSchool for Social Research. Laura is a passionate community organizer, honoring with action her brother Jeffrey Banish, who died by suicide. Laura lives in Thousand Oaks with her husband Siddique Abbasi and their three young children, Aamina, Elijah, and Rayah.

Susan Oriente (she/hers) is a High School Specialist and classroom instructor with an B.A. from Wesleyan University and a M.A. from California State University Dominguez Hills. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and beagle. Susie joined a New Hope Suicide Grief Support group after the suicide loss of her baby brother in 2019. She went on to become a facilitator who led many groups before co-authoring the New Hope Suicide Grief Support Handbook. Along with this leadership in the adult Survivors After Suicide (SAS) community, she created curriculum and facilitated New Hope’s first on-campus teen SAS group following a suicide loss on campus. Susie has now joined the New Hope SAS Training team and was able to train over 30 community health workers in LAC DMH to facilitate groups throughout LA.

“I’m Cloe Robinson (she/they), a teen advisor for Teen Talk App. Mental health has always been an important factor in my life, whether it be my own, or that of a loved one. I am so fortunate to have been able to work with Teen Talk and JBBBSLA for the last three years to make a tangible difference in my community. I’ve been able to support myself, and to make meaningful connections with users and people in my life who are struggling. This fall, I am attending UC Davis to study animal science on a pre-veterinary track. I hope to continue my work with Teen Talk and the topic of mental health during my college career.”

LASPN Youth Advisory Board Participates in Roundtable Conversation with CA State Senator Anthony Portantino

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Recognizing the importance of inclusion of youth perspectives in important conversations about mental health and suicide prevention that are taking place in Los Angeles County, the LASPN YAB was asked to be part of a Roundtable Series with political leaders.  The Roundtable Series launched last spring with a conversation between CA State Senator Anthony Portantino and five youth.   Find the recording here: https://vimeo.com/820993536/adeff277d9?share=copy

The LASPN Youth Advisory Board (LASPN YAB) is an inclusive group of youth who are advocating for improving mental health and well-being and its related social determinants of health for youth countywide. The LASPN YAB is guided by four core values that guide our work to achieve our mission: trust, integrity, leadership and inclusion. Meet our Youth Advisory Board members here.

Be a Holiday Hero: For Yourself and Others

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The end of a year is a time of reflection for many of us, considering how things have been and the chance to think about how things might be.  In an ideal world, the holidays would be a time of the year when we are all a little kinder, helped our fellow humans out a bit more, and took the time to focus on the people in our lives in a meaningful way.

What would it look like if deeper connections with others were the central tradition of the holidays? Fostering connections is one of the most powerful things you can do to promote resilience for yourself, those you care about, and your community.

Check in With Others

Take the time to reach out to someone who may be having a difficult holiday season and have a conversation with them. The conversation does not have to center around mental health. You can start by talking about anything that connects you to that person and be there to listen if they do want to talk about their challenges. Just spending this time sends the message that you care.

It’s also important to remember that although not everyone observes the same holiday traditions, we all want to feel like we belong to a community or group. A sense of belonging can help prevent depression and boost self-esteem and well-being. Inclusive holiday activities can foster a sense of belonging for everyone. Here are some ways to promote more inclusive holidays:

  • Try to avoid faith-specific greetings and invitations unless you know the person shares the same beliefs.
  • Encourage people attending holiday events to share their own cultural traditions for a fun learning experience.
  • Remember that not everyone drinks alcohol or eats the same foods, for personal or faith-based reasons, and try to offer alternatives at holiday gatherings that everyone can enjoy.

Support Your Community

You have probably heard the saying ‘it is better to give than receive’, but did you know studies show being kind to others does you good too?  Helping others is one of the best things we can do to spread holiday cheer. Showing kindness towards others increases the production of the hormone oxytocin (which is associated with feelings of attachment and love) and the neurotransmitter serotonin (which is involved in good sleep and feelings of happiness) and can even give some people more energy and feelings of happiness.

You may not be able to solve the big problems, but offering up what you can alleviate some of the challenges others are facing means more than you might think.

  • Every community has organizations that are looking for volunteers. To get started, visit L.A. Works to learn about volunteer opportunities in your area.
  • Mutual aid programs have been championed by people from diverse communities to meet each other’s needs. Mutual aid calls for “solidarity not charity” —people helping other people, not for pay or praise, but caring for one another emotionally, physically, and financially. Visit the Mutual Aid Hub to locate programs near you.

Check in With You

While checking in on those around you, remember to check in with yourself as well. Self-care is the gift that keeps on giving, all year long. The term “self-care” has become somewhat misused, but it is really about creating habits that support your long-term wellness and resilience. Changing habits and expectations of ourselves and others takes time and practice, so start with small things. Here are some suggestions:

  • Pick self-care strategies that seem fun, not things you think you “should” do. You’re more likely to do things that make you happy, and when you’re happy you’re more likely to do things that make you healthy. It’s a virtuous cycle.
  • Try adding wellness habits to something that you already do routinely, like doing a 1-minute meditation after you brush your teeth, or taking a walk around the block after you get out of your car.

There will be days when you may reach your limit. Being gentle with yourself by setting boundaries and limits that support your mental health may be the most important self-care of all. The important thing is not to “keep doing all the things” no matter how you are feeling. Give yourself permission to step back. Learning to say “no thanks” can be a powerful self-care tool. If saying no to social obligations feels too difficult, try scheduling a small break before and after each event for a self-care break.

When to Get Help

If you notice any of the following signs of distress in yourself or someone close to you, they can be an indication that it’s time to reach out for help:

  • Feeling sad, hopeless, or helpless
  • Becoming anxious, worried, or overwhelmed all the time
  • Being unable to focus on work or school
  • Acting extremely moody or irritable
  • Withdrawing from friends and activities
  • Having difficulty coping with daily problems or stress
  • Using more alcohol or drugs than usual or more often
  • Drastically changing eating or sleeping patterns

If you’re experiencing these, or similar signs, you are not alone. Reach out to trusted friends (Preferably an adult), family, and other supportive people in your life.

If you would like to talk to someone outside of your immediate circle, consider calling the California Peer-Run Warm Line (855-845-7415) for non-emergency emotional support.

If you’re in crisis, or are worried about someone else, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org.

May your reflections on this year bring wisdom, awareness of your own strength, and a deepened appreciation for how much we need one another as we look ahead with hope and renewed purpose for 2024.

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

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