In recognition of Mental Health Month, Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) proudly participated in a series of key events organized by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) as part of the “Take Action” initiative. This campaign aims to unite LA communities around mental health and empower everyone to seek support. The “Take Action” initiative underscores the importance of wellness and well-being by leveraging the extensive resources of the nation’s largest behavioral health department to foster community cohesion and encourage attention to personal and communal health needs.
These events align perfectly with SMRS’ mission to create environments that promote recovery, personal responsibility, and mutual self-help. We strive to help communities prevent and reduce problems related to alcohol, drugs, and mental health through positive social change. This mission drives our participation in such events, where our community relations team informs community members about our mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, emphasizing that we are here to help.
With over 11 programs, SMRS has a significant presence across LA County. LACDMH organized an impressive number of events throughout May, and SMRS was actively involved in key events notably in Service Areas 3 and 4. The Take Action LA County Service Area 3 event took place in Arcadia County Park—close to our San Gabriel Valley Programs—while the Service Area 4 event was hosted at Los Angeles City College, near our Los Angeles Programs. These events featured a mix of entertainment, food, and a variety of resources from mental health providers, contributing to stress reduction, health improvement, and community support. Attendees enjoyed live entertainment, food trucks, face painting, balloon art, free haircuts, massage services, surf lessons, pet adoption, a live aquarium touch tank, and painting activities among others.
Furthermore, SMRS also contributed to the 1st Annual Take Action for Wellness and Mental Health event at Tony Arceo Memorial Park. This event served as a wellness and mental health resource for students, families, and residents of El Monte and South El Monte, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. It was organized in partnership with the cities of El Monte and South El Monte, as well as local school districts.
Additionally, SMRS staff attended a free one-day conference for service providers titled “TBRI: A Trauma-Informed Approach,” organized by 3rd Step Ministries in partnership with LACDMH. This conference, also part of the Take Action LA initiative, discussed the essential components of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), an effective, evidence-based model for supporting and treating individuals who have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The conference covered how to identify and heal attachment patterns and TBRI principles for effective client connection.
Overall, the participation of SMRS in these various events during Mental Health Month underscores our commitment to promoting mental wellness and supporting those in need. By collaborating with LACDMH and other community partners, we strive to create a supportive and informed environment where individuals can seek help and access resources without stigma. These events not only provide essential services but also bring the community together in a shared mission of health and well-being. We are proud to be part of this vital movement and will continue to work towards a healthier, more resilient Los Angeles County.
