A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
The LA County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) recently launched its Take Action for Mental Health LA County campaign for May as it is Mental Health Awareness Month. LACDMH’s Take Action movement promotes wellness and well-being while sharing the vast array of resources and services provided by the nation’s largest behavioral health department.
Through the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), nearly 70 local, community-based organizations were granted funding to host 186 events throughout May which will encourage people to take action on their mental health for themselves and others. To learn more about the campaign and events, visit takeactionla.com. This year’s Take Action community events include free yoga and meditation, art and music, block parties, a 5K run/walk, and more. All events will focus on decreasing stigma and discrimination, increasing help-seeking behaviors, and awareness of and access to mental health services and resources.
In addition to this year’s Take Action events, LACDMH encourages LA County residents to utilize the resources available through the department and its partners, including the 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, iPrevail digital wellness platform, our walk-in clinics and peer resource centers, and our partnerships with local organizations. To learn more about these resources, visit dmh.lacounty.gov.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 I had a great time joining K-EARTH 101 for their live broadcast today at Tepeyac Restaurant in the City of Industry.
It was an honor to have the opportunity to speak on one of our most critical partners in the community – El Proyecto del Barrio. For five decades, El Proyecto del Barrio has provided critical care and services to residents across my district, from East LA to the San Gabriel Valley. During this time, they have provided quality and essential health care to so many vulnerable residents, regardless of their documentation status or ability to pay. I am so thankful for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.
 This past March, my staff Heidi came across a caretaker in a car who was frantically honking due to a medical emergency. Heidi immediately called 911. The caretaker began to administer CPR using a bag valve mask (BVM) to the individual who was in their care. When the caretaker got tired, Heidi stepped in and took over in compressing the BVM bag until paramedics arrived.
This past Saturday, at an event my office was participating, the caretaker and the person experiencing the medical condition visited our booth and saw Heidi again. They thanked her and were very grateful she was able to help render aid that day.
 My staff joined thousands of San Gabriel Valley residents this past Sunday for Active Streets: Mission-to-Mission, presented by Metro Los Angeles and hosted by SGVCOG, in partnership with the cities of Alhambra, San Gabriel, and South Pasadena.
The event temporarily opened stretches of roadway for people to walk, jog, skate, and bike. The event series is organized by ActiveSGV, an SGV-based non-profit organization dedicated to realizing a safer, more sustainable, and equitable San Gabriel Valley. There will be more events, so stay tuned for dates!
 Don't miss LA County Day at the Fair on May 4! Discover new attractions, musical entertainment in every corner of the fairgrounds, and, of course, lots of food. Enjoy the LA County parade, which is returning to the Fairplex after a 4-year hiatus, and explore the LA County Expo showcasing all the great things LA County is doing in our neighborhoods. Don't forget to take advantage of the County resident discount offer. Admission for LA County residents is just $8 through tonight, May 3rd at 11:59 p.m. (The billing zip code must reside within the region to complete the purchase). Get your tickets today and be sure to use the password "LACOUNTY" at check out for the discount price! Admission is $10 the day-of, May 4, 2024.
 May is Bike Month and throughout the entire month, Metro Bike Share is offering a Bike Share 30-Day Pass for just $1. Sign up online, using the Metro Bike Share mobile app or taptogo.net/metrobikeshare, and use promo code BIKEMONTH24.
 The LA County Film Office has officially launched the Business Interruption Fund (BIF) to help provide relief to small and micro businesses impacted by both the COVID-19 pandemic and the double Hollywood entertainment strikes. The new $4.1 million grant program will provide grants ranging between $10k to $25k to qualified COVID-19-impacted businesses that serve the entertainment industry.
To be eligible, applicants:
- Must be a for-profit business with $3 million or less in annual gross revenue AND at least 70% of revenue must come from the Entertainment Industry sector.
- Must have experienced at least a 70% loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 Pandemic from March 1, 2020, to present, as well as the 2023 double Hollywood entertainment strikes between May 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023.
- Must be located in the highest, high, or moderate impact areas on the COVID-19 Vulnerability and Recovery Index.
 Looking for a summer job? The Youth@Work Summer Stars Program offers an enriching opportunity for youth ages 14 to 24 to gain practical work experience. As a Tutor Assistant, participants will support credentialed educators in delivering tutoring services to school-age students during the summer at select LA County library sites.
 May is Mental Health Month and our LA County Department of Parks and Recreation and LA County Department of Mental Health are partnering to bring soul-enriching wellness events at all our County parks! Fuel your soul by attending a free drop-in activity during sunset at a park near you. Choose from meditation, yoga, dance, or canvas painting—there’s something for everyone! No registration is required.
 Take your business to the next level! Learn the basics of digital communications and marketing, secrets for websites and search optimization, and other essential digital skills to grow your business with the Department of Economic Opportunity's new Digital Skills LA workshop series. The virtual workshop will be available in English and Spanish. Micro and small business owners can register by scanning the QR code.
 My office in partnership with the LA County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will host a Town Hall meeting designed specifically for veterans. If you are a veteran, this is your opportunity to connect with fellow veterans, share your experiences, and voice your concerns. We will discuss several topics including access to healthcare, employment opportunities, mental health support, among others. Your presence is crucial in shaping our veteran community. Don't miss out on this chance to make a difference and improve the resources available to the veteran community. To register, scan the QR code or click the button below,
Date: Wednesday, May 15
Time: 5:30 pm - 8 pm
Location: City of El Monte Community Center, 3130 Tyler Ave. El Monte, CA 91731
 Looking for help on your path to US Citizenship? LA County libraries offer Citizenship in a Bag, a toolkit with resources for customers seeking to obtain US Citizenship. This toolkit in a bag contains a variety of educational materials for the naturalization exam, including flashcards, multimedia tools, and a FREE citizenship folder with valuable resources that residents can take home that include:
- Step-by-step instructions on the US naturalization process.
- Reference materials on the rights and responsibilities of US citizenship.
- Official citizenship forms, including the Application for Naturalization.
For citizenship-related questions, please call your nearest LA County library location.
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