Tag: featured

LASPN Appoints New Co-Chair, Dr. Daisy Gomez

Front Page News

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.”

ROOTED IN US Youth Summit

Events

Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Beehive – 961 East 61st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001

Free Admission | All Ages Welcome | Food and goodies included

This event is a celebration of youth voice, creativity, collective power and we’re counting on YOU to help bring it to life.

How to stay connected:

  • Register here to attend as a guest: bit.ly/DYDSummit2025
  • For updates: dyd.lacounty.gov/summit
  • Follow along on Instagram: @lacountyyouth

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

Front Page News

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

Front Page News

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

Seize the Awkward Partners with Musicians Aminé, Hayley Kiyoko, Christina Perri and Lindsey Stirling to Encourage Young Adults to Start a Conversation About Mental Health

News

NEW YORK, NY, September 5, 2019 – To coincide with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September), the Ad Council’s Seize the Awkward campaign is launching a new video series starring musicians Aminé, Hayley Kiyoko, Christina Perri and Lindsey Stirling to empower teens and young adults to talk about mental health with their friends. Through an anthem spot and four personal story videos, the artists share their own personal experiences of how starting a conversation about mental health with friends has impacted their lives. Throughout September, the national public service campaign in partnership with, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and The Jed Foundation (JED) will activate on digital, social and media platforms popular among teens and young adults to encourage them to reach out to a friend who might be struggling.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young adults and for every youth suicide it is estimated that 100-200 others attempt suicide. Young adulthood is a critical time when many people experience mental health issues as well as significant stress from life transitions such as gaining more independence and responsibility when moving from home and beginning college or a career. Many young adults will be returning to school or departing for college for the first time this September, making the Seize the Awkward message of checking in with a friend especially timely and relevant.

“This extraordinary group of musicians and major digital platforms gives us the opportunity to authentically reach and engage teens and young adults throughout the country,” said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council. “Each of these musicians has an impactful, relatable story that will hopefully encourage young adults to start important and potentially life-saving conversations.”

The digital-first creative content, including social videos produced with award-winning digital studio Portal A and radio spots, features four popular musicians with a total social audience of nearly 20 million people. In addition to starring in the videos, Aminé, Hayley Kiyoko, Christina Perri and Lindsey Stirling will also be amplifying their own personal stories across their platforms. By demonstrating true vulnerability in their respective personal story videos, the artists are encouraging teens and young adults to create a safe space for their friends to open up about mental health challenges.

“We commend each of these musicians and Portal A for supporting the campaign and bringing greater awareness by sharing their personal stories of taking care of our mental health in the same way we would our physical health,” said Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of AFSP. “Together, we can support each other in having conversations about struggles in our lives, and promoting help seeking and treatment when needed.”

The four musicians join a group of more than 20 digital talent and traditional celebrities including Liza Koshy, Markiplier, Hannah Hart and Tyler Posey, among others who have created content on behalf of Seize the Awkward. As trusted voices to young adults, particularly 16-to-24-year-olds, talent play a critical role in reaching the campaign target audience. Talent have amplified the Seize the Awkward message beyond their total audience of more than 50 million by creating over 30 pieces of content which have garnered more than 16.5 million views. Most recently, the campaign launched a personal video story with Billie Eilish in a month which has received more than 4 million views.

“We all have the opportunity and ability to reach out and support the mental health of others and these small actions can make a real difference,” said John MacPhee, Executive Director/CEO, JED. “We are grateful to these artists for sharing their stories with teens and young adults and encouraging us all to start a conversation about mental health with our friends who might be struggling.”  

Additionally, throughout the month of September, the following digital, social and media partners will provide significant exposure and customized content for Seize the Awkward on their platforms:

  • Billboard:  Billboard, the global destination for the latest music news, issues and trends, will donate and run a comprehensive, supporting media campaign across its extensive ecosystem including social media promotion of the musician video series.
  • Café Grumpy: Café Grumpy, in partnership with Facebook, will offer Instagram users 2-for-1 coffee coupons to encourage them to visit a Café Grumpy with a friend to have a conversation about mental health over a cup of coffee.
  • Facebook: Facebook’s Creative Shop contributed creative services and donated media for a series of unique illustrations and animated videos on Instagram demonstrating the signs of emerging mental health problems and ways to help a friend by starting a conversation.
  • Goodtype: On September 17th, the Instagram art community Goodtype will promote a challenge to its more than 1 million followers. Followers will be encouraged to create an original work of art dedicated to Seize the Awkward and share why it’s important to talk about mental health with a friend.
  • Initiative: Global media company, Initiative, is providing their expertise to support the campaign through pro bono development and execution of a custom media strategy to secure additional high-profile targeted media.
  • Reddit: Reddit is supporting the campaign by promoting an Ask Me Anything (AMA) with a mental health expert during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Participants will be able to ask questions related to mental health and how to support a friend who may be in need during the school year.
  • Snap: During Suicide Prevention Week (September 8th to 14th) and World Mental Health Day (October 10th), Snap will promote a custom Snapchat filter nationwide to support the campaign.
  • UPROXX: UPROXX, one of the largest millennial focused news and entertainment sites on the web, will be sharing the musician video series across its social platforms.

Since its launch in January 2018, Seize the Awkward has garnered 21.5 million video views and over 377,000 sessions on SeizeTheAwkward.org, where visitors can explore resources and tools to help them start a conversation with a peer around mental health. To learn more about the campaign, visit SeizeTheAwkward.org and @SeizeTheAwkward on Instagram. To get immediate, free support 24/7, call 1-800-273-8254 or text “SEIZE” to 741741.