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WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

New Findings Show Sustained Community Connection

Significantly Reduces Risk of Homelessness and Substance Use

This is partially funded by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Heath Sabtance Abuse Prevention and CoAPC

The messages views or opinions made by any speak or stall do not early reflect the official policy or position of any LA County Agency in baling SAPC

LOS ANGELES, CA Social Model Re- covery Systems, Inc. (SMRS), in partnership with First 5 Los Angeles, released new com- munity-based research findings, The Power of Prevention: Lessons from the Skid Row Oral History Project, that reveal early intervention and sustained community connection enhance a wide range of positive academic, interper- sonal, health, and social outcomes.

The findings, drawn from the oral history proj- ect and accompanying analysis by Dr. Cheryl Grills, examine the long-term trajectories of young people who participated in community- based prevention programs during childhood and adolescents. The project offers a rare longitudinal insight into how relational ties, early support and belonging influence outcomes re- lated to education, employment, housing sta- bility, and substance use, over time.

"As a former health care provider, I've seen firsthand how environmental factors and lack of social services can impact a person's life - especially when facing homelessness and substance use," said Mayor Karen Bass. "Our comprehensive approach to homelessness will continue to focus not just on housing for Ange- lenos, but also on preventing Angelenos from falling into homelessness in the first place. I want to thank Dr. Cheryl Grills for leading this critical piece of research and look forward to Perinatal Equity in San Bernardino County

Rallying Around

Susters building upon this work."

The research was presented at a public brief- ing featuring video excerpts from the Skid Row Oral History Project and a moderated panel with former youth participants reflecting on lived experience, effective interventions, and policy priorities.

"Prevention works. Its impact is measur- able, and it creates benefits that extend across generations." "When young people remain connected to consistent, community-based support, their chances of long-term stability increase significantly," said Bruce Boardman, CEO, Social Model Recovery Systems.

Did you know that Black babies in the U.S. and California are two to three times more likely to die before they turn one than white babies? Black moms also have more health problems during pregnancy-almost four times more than white moms. In San Bernardino County, the numbers are still very bad. Black babies are almost three times more likely to die in their first year than white babies. Black moms are more likely to have their babies too early and feel sad or worried during pregnancy.

These are not just numbers. These are real people and real families. We must do better.

That's why programs like Black Infant Health and the Perinatal Equity Initiative are here. They give Black moms and families free care and support before, during, and after having a baby. They offer group support, one-on-one help, mental health care, doulas, and support for dads too. We believe every baby should have a healthy start, and every mom should be treated with kindness and care.

Together, we can build healthy beginnings for Black families. To learn more or get support, call 844-352-3985 or visit dph.sbcounty.gov/pei.

• SAN BERNARDINO
• Public Health
• COUNTY