Mental health and substance abuse support through resources and local townhall
To help residents cope with pandemic-related anxiety, the City is reminding residents of mental health and drug abuse prevention referral numbers - and is promoting a local Community Townhall on Addiction and Mental Health.
The following numbers can provide important resources to anyone in need:
- OC Links - County Information and Referral Services: 855-625-4657
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) OC "Warmline": 714-991-6412
- Substance Abuse/Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) - 24 hour: 800-662-4357
- Partners4Wellness: 949-770-1191
On Sunday, January 30, Red Songbird Foundation and Overtaken Lives are hosting an informal event from 4:30-7 pm at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway.
The townhall features drug abuse prevention advocate Jodi Barber who lost her teenage son to an opioid overdose and created the education videos "Overtaken" and "Overtaken II."
Personal testimonies and guidance on recovery and wellness will also be shared by others like Jason Wahler known for the reality TV series "The Hills." Wahler's struggle with alcohol dependency, rehab and mental health is inspirational and motivational.
Resource tables and opportunities to discuss personal challenges with people who relate round out the event. The townhall is geared to people 18 and older. Register today at https://www.redsongbird.org/townhall.