562.441.3590
Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov
Public Affairs Officer
Department of Health and Human Services
Long Beach, CA – Today, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) launched Mental Health Matters, its mental health awareness campaign. The campaign seeks to normalize and destigmatize mental health and improve access and connection to mental health supports in Long Beach.
“We are excited to launch the City’s Mental Health Matters website to raise awareness about this important issue,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “This campaign seeks to empower everyone in our city to learn more about mental health, find support for yourself and your loved ones and take the pledge to become a Mental Health Champion.”
The Mental Health Matters website offers education and resources for people across the city. Features include a Mental Health Toolkit, with information on how mental health may look in our own lives, available resources, where to access support in Long Beach and how to check in with a loved one who may be struggling. The campaign also provides opportunities for Long Beach community members, institutions for learning, businesses and organizations to take the pledge to be a Mental Health Champion. Those who take the pledge will receive window-clings and flyers to proudly display to help community members identify spaces around Long Beach that are actively creating safe and responsive environments for mental health.
“We all play an important role in creating a Long Beach community where mental health matters,” said Long Beach City Director of Health and Human Services Kelly Colopy. “We can accomplish this by bringing in the unique ways we take care of ourselves and those around us. I am proud to take my pledge to become a Mental Health Champion.”
The Mental Health Matters campaign also includes the Health Department’s first annual Mental Health Resource Fair, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov.19, at Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave). The fair is an interdepartmental effort that will feature art, sound baths, music, games, sports and more. The event also will offer free merchandise and self-care prizes. In addition, vendors, exhibitors and community members who attend will have a chance to become Mental Health Champions by taking a pledge to advocate and promote mental health in their communities.
The awareness campaign, educational website and resource fair are among the steps the Health Department is taking to normalize and destigmatize mental health and create greater access to resources that can support community members.
This program is made possible by the Long Beach Recovery Act, a plan to fund economic and public health initiatives for Long Beach residents, workers and businesses critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 500 thousand in funding has been allocated to trauma-informed mental health resources and response. s. Additional information about the Long Beach Recovery Act is available at longbeach.gov/recovery.
The Mental Health Matters Awareness Campaign also aligns with Goal 4 of Long Beach’s Racial and Reconciliation Initiative to increase investment in mental health and trauma services, including facilities, professionals, community responses and culturally tailored resources.