Friday, May 30, 2025

County Honors Eaton Health Village for Wildfire Mental Health Response

Supervisor Kathryn Barger poses alongside Eaton Health Village honorees [Photo credit: David Franco, Los Angeles County]

Local partnership recognized for providing critical mental health support to Altadena residents affected by devastating fire

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger honored the Eaton Health Village team at this week’s Public Hearing Meeting for their mental health response following the Eaton Fire. The recognition, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month in Los Angeles County, celebrated the partnership that provided urgent care to impacted Altadena residents.

“In the aftermath of a disaster, it’s important for survivors to feel seen, supported, and cared for,” said Supervisor Barger. “That’s exactly what this remarkable team of providers delivered—a safe and healing space for individuals navigating one of the darkest chapters of their lives. Their lifesaving mental health support is nothing short of heroic. This month is the perfect time to honor the profound contributions of those behind the Eaton Health Village.”

The initiative, led by Heritage Clinic, MAHI International, Medical Mission Adventures, Molina Healthcare, and local faith-based institutions, provided medical care to over 500 individuals and distributed essential supplies to nearly 3,000 people. Every person who reached out was connected with a mental health professional.

Evelyn Wong, Executive Director of Medical Mission Adventures, expressed gratitude for the collaboration.

“We are deeply grateful to Los Angeles County for the incredible collaboration and unwavering support we received in the week of this devastating disaster,” she said. “For a disaster of this magnitude, it truly takes a village to heal a village.”

Cameron Smyth, Vice President of State Government Affairs for Molina Healthcare, noted: “Molina Healthcare has been a fixture in L.A. County for over 40 years and has always been dedicated to serving its local communities, especially during times of need. Many Molina team members and partners call Southern California home, and it was an honor to help create Eaton Health Village with our local partners.”

The Eaton Health Village continues its work, with plans for free group therapy sessions and trauma-focused care using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. Grant support is making this ongoing work possible.