 February 2025
Director's Desk Christina R. Ghaly, M.D.
LA Health Services is committed to providing exceptional care to our communities.
In the aftermath of the recent wildfires, the annual homeless count led by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) was delayed until February 18-20. The annual homeless count is a countywide event where volunteers spread out to count our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. The data collected are then used for planning purposes to ensure that services are concentrated in the areas of highest need. The results of the 2025 count will not be known for some time, but the County is fully invested in reducing homelessness and addressing the needs of our unhoused neighbors.
There are deliberate efforts intended to prevent people from falling into homelessness, which entail offering support to keep people housed, as well as outreach efforts to help people get off the streets.
Within LA Health Services, the Housing for Health program collaborates with a number of community-based programs to provide coordinated services to those in need. The needs are complex. Our unhoused neighbors can require a number of services including, but not limited to: health services, mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, legal aid, social workers to navigate the safety net and some require support for activities of daily living. Our mobile clinic reaches people wherever they are.
In this month’s newsletter, we highlight a story of an individual who is currently in the Housing for Health Program. See below to learn more about the Contingency Management Program.
On February 22nd, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center held a successful fundraising gala to benefit Harbor-UCLA staff members affected by the recent wildfire. See below to learn more about it.
The Chief Medical Officer from Rancho Los Amigos recently received recognition from the TimeIconic digital magazine that highlights the most impactful business leaders from around the world. Congratulations to Dr. Barry Jordan!
Black History Month was celebrated throughout our facilities in February. See below for highlights of some of the events held to commemorate it.
Thank you for all you do.
Housing for Health in Action
Shane Hutchison checking in at the Contingency Management Program at Mental Health of America LA office.
Shane Hutchinson, 52, who was unhoused for 10 years, said he couldn’t prioritize recovery for his substance use issues while living outside.
“Every day you are worried about what you're going to eat,” he said. “Every day you don’t have time to look for a job, figuring out how to keep your clothes clean and staying safe. You're out in the desert, and you are literally focusing on staying alive."
Shane decided recently that he wanted to try to stop using, so he started coming to Housing for Health’s (HFH) Contingency Management Program. Launched in the spring of 2024, the innovative program is aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness who are struggling with stimulant drug use.
The contingency management initiative is a collaborative effort between Housing for Health and community-based organizations. HFH staff invites participants to engage in weekly therapy sessions, attend support group meetings, and undergo regular drug screenings. The unique aspect of this initiative lies in its incentive system; when participants do not have drugs in their urinalysis, they receive a gift card, helping them remain actively engaged in their recovery.
"The incentive is a great resource, it allows them to focus on their recovery,” said Savann Duong, Clinical Social Work Supervisor with the Mobile Clinic.
And while they are in the program, Duong said, “we also assess their needs and provide other services like medical and housing. "
Despite being only six weeks into its Lancaster operation, Contingency Management is already making a significant impact on the community. Shane said of his caseworker, "it took us a while to connect, but he was persistent, straight up 100%". Shane explained that once he opened up, the progress began. The program supported him through his addiction and gave him a new focus on rebuilding his life.
The contingency management program uses the power of compassion, empowerment, and structured support for those navigating the challenges of homelessness and substance use. As Shane reflected on his journey, he emphasized that others with similar situations should not be discouraged. For Shane, that has led to him moving into housing. “The program and the people helped me, I couldn't be more thankful," he said.
The program continues to grow and is funded through Fiscal Year 2025-2026. As the program is piloted throughout the County, there is hope that it will not only change individual lives, but also pave the way for more support and understanding throughout the community.
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Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Hosts Benefit Gala
By: Karyl Smith
On Saturday, February 22, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center held a Mardi Gras Gala Fundraiser at Ovation Square in Downtown Long Beach. More than 200 people attended the event, which showcased Mardi Gras dancers, the Louisiana All-Star Brass Band, and a live DJ. The gala also included a silent auction with prizes that included trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, the Riviera Maya, and Tulum.
The fundraiser successfully raised funds to help two Harbor employees negatively impacted by the recent Los Angeles County wildfires.
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DHS Proud - Dr. Barry Jordan
Dr. Barry Jordan, the Chief Medical Officer at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (Rancho Los Amigos), has been featured in TimeIconic, a renowned digital magazine that highlights the most impactful business leaders from around the world.
TimeIconic celebrates influential voices and visionaries in their respective fields, and Dr. Jordan’s remarkable contributions to rehabilitation medicine have earned him this well-deserved recognition. The article highlights his leadership in pioneering modern rehabilitative care, with a special focus on the transformative impact of technology and compassionate patient care.
In this insightful piece, Dr. Jordan discusses the future of rehabilitation medicine and how Rancho Los Amigos is setting new standards for the industry. His leadership and innovative approach have positioned Rancho Los Amigos as a global leader in this field.
The full article can be accessed here:
Congratulations Dr. Jordan!
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Celebrating Black History Month
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Black History month is traditionally celebrated in February. The month is intended to celebrate accomplishments and contributions of black and African American individuals. It is also intended to draw attention to the efforts to create a more just and equitable society for all. This month, events were held throughout the department in celebration of Black History Month including informational seminars and diversity dialogues as well as celebrations in many forms. Here are highlights from a few events: |
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