Health care extends beyond the walls of hospitals. Education promotes healthy living for children, adults and families across Los Angeles. Working in tandem with community partners, Providence Little Company of Mary Community Health is committed to providing equal opportunities for a healthy life, regardless of income or location.

For over a quarter century, the California Community Foundation (CCF) has steadfastly supported the Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation. In 2022, CCF granted $1.2 million to the foundation for a three-year, community-based mental health education project. The initiative features Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for caregivers and the general public centered on mental health conditions and suicide among youth, adults and seniors. It also raises awareness about the Mind Matters psychosocial program for individuals aged 12 and older to develop coping skills for life’s challenges.

Providence’s 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) identifies behavioral health as a priority area across the entire South Bay region. Quantitative and qualitative data gathered through the CHNA reveals that while behavioral health is a high need throughout the region, greater disparities exist in lower-income communities of color.

“Over the past 25 years, the California Community Foundation and its donors have supported Providence Health Services and the Providence Little Company of Mary Community Health Investment programs,” shares Rosemary Veniegas, Ph.D., senior program officer for health. “CCF is honored to have the opportunity to further extend Mental Health First Aid to a broader range of our community members.”

The MHFA courses are available in both English and Spanish and are taught via Zoom and in settings such as schools, churches and clinics. The program is already making a significant impact. One program participant shared, “I just want to say thank you so much for your excellent work and for providing us with this much-needed training. What I appreciated most is that everyone interacted with each other. As a result, we opened up much more than we normally would creating trust and encouragement.”

To find out more about how you can support these programs, contact Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation by calling 310-303-5340.

For more information or to sign up for Mental Health First Aid training, contact Lucia Vides 310-514-5483 or Lucia.Vides@providence.org.