Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath aimed at strengthening mental health support for residents impacted by the Eaton Fire.
The motion directs County departments to identify viable properties and infrastructure that can be used to house and expand trauma-informed mental health and recovery services in the San Gabriel foothill region. It also calls for data collection on mental health needs and further outreach to connect service providers with available space through Los Angeles County’s Business to Business Space Share program.
“Now that we’re past the six-month mark, the grief, stress, and mental health challenges brought on by the Eaton Fire remain very real,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Recovery can be a long journey, so it’s important that we continue to mobilize the County’s resources to support emotional healing and community resilience. The County must continue taking action that prioritizes mental health as a key part of long-term disaster recovery.”
The motion is centered on the importance of long-term mental health support as a cornerstone of community recovery. “Six months after the devastating January wildfires, young people and families are working hard to regain a sense of stability and healing” Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath stated. “Mental health is just as vital to recovery as bricks and mortar. By meeting people where they are and creating safe, supportive spaces to process and heal, we’re helping fire-impacted communities rebuild in every sense of the word.”
The Department of Mental Health and relevant agencies are expected to report back to the Board within 30 days with an inventory of viable properties and an assessment of local mental health needs to inform the delivery of services in the region.