Monthly Archives: February 2017

Yes on Measure H

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Measure H, the “Los Angeles County Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness” is the March 7 ballot measure that will end homelessness for 45,000 families and individuals across Los Angeles County within five years. It will also prevent homelessness for 30,000 individuals and families over the same time period, including women and children, veterans, seniors, foster youth, and survivors of domestic violence.

Why is Measure H Needed?

The number of individuals and families estimated to be experiencing homelessness in LA County in January 2016 was 46,874, an overall increase of 2,515 people (6%) from 2015 (44,359) and 19% more than in 2013. The number of people living in encampments, tents and vehicles increased by 20% from 2015 to 2016 and a staggering 123% from 2013 to 2016.

Please review the information on the Measure H Fact Sheet to advocate for the passage of Measure H on the March 7 ballot. A 2/3 vote is required for passage. So please educate friends and family and vote.

Please also see www.VoteYesOnH.com for more materials and information. The South Bay Council of Governments, the South Bay Chambers of Commerce, and many other non-profits have endorsed Measure H.

Western Recovery Conference — Friday March 3 and Saturday March 4

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Peer Action 4 Change announces the Western Recovery Conference, its annual mental health conference organized by and for mental health clients/consumers/survivors, in Culver City, California at SHARE! Culver City. To register and for more information please go to Western Recovery Conference.

Registration fee: $150* by February 28, 2017 ($180 after 2/28/17)
CLICK HERE to go to the registration page.

*Scholarship of $140 is available for mental health consumers who live in Los Angeles County. Enter the Promo Code “PA4C” to pay the $10 reduced registration by February 28, 2017. Notice that the third character in the Promo Code is then numeral 4. After entering the Promo Code, hit the red “Apply” button.

The scholarship rate for mental health consumers from Los Angeles County will be $30 at the door. Please bring photo ID to the conference to verify residency in Los Angeles County.

General Meeting Monday 2/27/17

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Dr. Debbie Innes-Gomberg, Ph.D. Deputy Director for the Adult Systems of Care for the Los Angeles County of Mental Health, M.D. Director of Adult Outpatient Program Harbor UCLA Medical Center will speak at our monthly meeting on Monday, February 27, 2017.

Dr. Innes-Gomberg will be speaking about the Department of Mental Health (DMH) Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) three-year program with regard to services and programs, performance of programs, and the involvement of families and community involvement in the development and implementation of the plan.

Dr. Innes-Gomberg has a long history with DMH as a clinical psychologist, District Chief for the Long Beach/South Bay area and the the Program Manager for the MHSA Implementation and Outcomes Division. This presentation will be a great opportunity to ask questions about the programs and address concerns and needs in our area.

The Caring and Sharing Support Group will start at 6 PM and the Speaker Presentation will start at 7:30 PM at the First Lutheran Church 2900 Carson in Torrance.

Third Annual Parent and Caregiver Conference

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Saturday, February 11, 2017 at St. Anne’s Center in Los Angeles

A one day conference featuring speakers, a panel of experts, and round table discussions and workshops for parents and caregivers who have a loved one with mental health condition of any age.

Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM (PST)
St. Anne’s
155 North Occidental Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026

CLICK HERE TO ATTEND

Morning Program:

  • Jonathan E. Sherin, M.D., Ph.D., Los Angeles County Director of Mental Health
    Looking Ahead
  • Steve Pitman J.D., President, NAMI National Board
  • Sandy Banks, Mental Health Advocate, Journalist, former L. A. Times columnist
    Finding Hope & Health Along the Journey
  • Panel Presentation – Tool Box of Communication
    Moderator, Helena Ditko, LCSW , Los Angeles County Dept. of Mental Health
    How can we equip caretakers with the communication tools they need? Our panel will cover some of the family experience, the treatment experience and resources are helpful and available.

Roundtable Discussions over lunch:

  • Caring for Ourselves
  • Why I chose LPS Conservatorship
  • Communication Tips – (English & Spanish)
  • My Family Member has been Arrested
  • Advocating for Care in Crisis – (English & Spanish)
  • Navigating the Dept. of Mental Health

Afternoon Sessions:

  • Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness – Lora Illig, ExecutiveDirector, NAMI Pomona Valley and Leola Johnson, NAMI Antelope Valley, NAMI State Trainer
  • Patients Rights’ – Jaime Walker, Health Program Analyst, Los Angeles County Dept. of Mental Health
  • Trauma Informed Care – Celeste H. Ryan, Ph.D., Juvenile Justice Mental Health Program Coordinator, Los Angeles County Dept. of Mental Health
  • Creating a Community of Care to Heal Hidden Wounds – Gail Soffer, Founder, Executive Director

Open Mind Community Lecture — The Upword Spiral

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From the Friends of the Semel Institute: A free presentation by Alex Korb, Ph.D., UCLA neuroscientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Tuesday evening, March 7, 2017.

Depression can feel like a downward spiral, pulling you into a vortex of sadness, fatigue, and apathy. In “The Upward Spiral”, Dr. Korb demystifies the intricate brain processes that cause depression and offers a practical and effective approach to getting better. Based on the latest research in neuroscience, Dr. Korb provides dozens of straightforward tips you can do every day to rewire your brain and create an upward spiral towards a happier, healthier life.

As a neuroscientist Dr. Korb has published over a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles on depression, neuromodulation and other topics. He is the author of The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time, and has studied the brain for over 15 years. He also writes a popular blog for Psychology Today called PreFrontal Nudity: Your Brain Exposed. Outside of the lab he is head coach of the UCLA Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, and he has a wealth of experience in yoga and mindfulness, physical fitness, and even stand-up comedy.

Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. will join Dr. Korb in discussion following the presentation. Dr. Siegel is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center. He is also the Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute, which offers online learning and in-person lectures that focus on how the development of mindsight in individuals, families, and communities can be enhanced by examining the interface of human relationships and basic biological processes.

Tuesday, March 7
Semel Auditorium, UCLA
Check-in 6:30 PM   |   Program 7:00 PM
Admission is free but reservations are required.
Parking is available for $12 in Structure 9

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For questions email Wendy Kelman at wkelman@mednet.ucla.edu