City of Palmdale's Coronavirus Update – 5/12/20

Palmdale Mayor Steve Hofbauer and City Manager JJ Murphy present today's COVID-19 Update:

Hi this is Palmdale Mayor Steve Hofbauer with your COVID-19 update for May 12.

May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month to spotlight the importance of mental health issues and access to care for everyone. This year, with the impacts of COVID-19 everywhere, it has become an even more pressing issue.

As a result, the LA County Department of Mental Health has announced two initiatives to help residents deal with fear, anxiety and stress.

The first is called We Rise 2020. It is a virtual, month-long spotlight on well-being and healing through art, music and creative expression.

To access We Rise 2020, visit www.WeRise.LA for the latest updates.

LA County has also partnered with Headspace, the number one mindfulness and meditation app around, to offer FREE Headspace Plus subscriptions to all LA County residents.

Included in this free, premium subscription are hundreds of science-backed guided meditations in both English and Spanish as well as, mindfulness and sleep exercises.

To sign up, visit www.headspace.com/lacounty.

Another alarming outcome from this crisis is the dramatic increase in domestic violence cases. It is important to draw attention to those who are most vulnerable due to COVID-19-related confinement – victims of child and spousal abuse. Visit the LA County Domestic Violence Council web site www.PublicHealth.lacounty.gov/dvcouncil – for more information. If you need help or support for addressing Domestic Violence, please call the DV 24hr. Hotline at 800-978-3600.

Now, let’s go to City Manager JJ Murphy, who will share an additional mental health resource that Palmdale is offering our community . . .

City Manager, JJ Murphy:

Thanks Mayor! Here in the City of Palmdale we are also focusing on the mental health needs of our community, especially our front-line workers and veterans.

On Monday, May 18th at 10:00 a.m., we will be hosting a virtual Town Hall Meeting featuring mental health expert John Glover from Mental Health America and local Veterans Advocate and social worker with High Desert Medical Group Dennis Anderson.

This is an opportunity for Palmdale residents to gain valuable tools in coping with mental health concerns and lean on the peer support of those with knowledge and experience in the field.

To register, email: info@cityofpalmale.org and note Mental Health Town Hall in the subject line. City Staff will then provide you with the meeting information and access code.

There is also a wide list of resources available on the LA County Department of Mental Health web site www.dmh,lacounty.gov/covid-19-information.

However, if you are experiencing anxiety or depression and need to talk to someone immediately, call the L.A. County Department of Mental Health 24 hr. Helpline at 1-800-854-7771.

The physical and economic burdens we continue to face are placing a heavy toll on everyone’s mental well-being. We must all be kind, patient and compassionate with each other so we can weather this crisis – together.

Remember, you are not alone. Palmdale Cares for you!