Thursday, July 31, 2025

County Supervisors Champion Mental Health Support for Eaton Fire Survivors

County takes comprehensive approach to address community healing six months after wildfires

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion Tuesday to strengthen mental health support for residents impacted by the Eaton Fire.

The motion, authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, directs County departments to identify properties and infrastructure for expanding trauma-informed mental health and recovery services in the San Gabriel foothill region.

“Now that we’re past the six-month mark, the grief, stress, and mental health challenges brought on by the Eaton Fire remain very real,” Kathryn Barger said. “Recovery can be a long journey, so it’s important that we continue to mobilize the County’s resources to support emotional healing and community resilience.”

The comprehensive plan includes directing the Department of Mental Health to collect data on local mental health needs and connect service providers with available spaces through Los Angeles County’s Business to Business Space Share program.

Agencies are expected to report back to the Board within 30 days with an inventory of viable properties and an assessment of community mental health needs.

“Six months after the devastating January wildfires, young people and families are working hard to regain a sense of stability and healing,” Lindsey P. Horvath said. “Mental health is just as vital to recovery as bricks and mortar.

By meeting people where they are and creating safe, supportive spaces to process and heal, we’re helping fire-impacted communities rebuild in every sense of the word.”