EE/ME UsCC subcommittee has identified the need for increased awareness and knowledge of mental illness signs and symptoms as well as improved access to mental health services for the Armenian community in Los Angeles County, particularly in Service Areas 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 where a high concentration of the Armenian community members resides. There are more than a million Armenians who live in Southern California in cities such as La Canada, Burbank, North Hollywood, Hollywood, Glendale, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Montebello. Wellness Festival project seeks to increase mental health awareness and education to the Armenian community in Los Angeles County, which is significantly underserved by the public mental health system. Furthermore, the Project aims to promote mental health services, reduce stigma, and increase the capacity of the public mental health system in Los Angeles County. It will enable this often-underserved population to access mental health services and empower other community members to do the same.
