KCAL News and Pasadena Senior Center Promote Mental Health Awareness

KCAL News is collaborating with local organizations to promote mental health awareness during May, which is recognized as Mental Health Month. This initiative highlights nonprofits that support individuals affected by various crises, including the wildfires that struck Southern California in January. Each week, KCAL News showcases a different organization dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of children, families, and seniors.

This week’s featured organization is the Pasadena Senior Center, which has been serving the community for over 65 years. The center plays an active role in combating mental health challenges faced by older adults, with a particular focus on reducing social isolation. Research indicates that social isolation can lead to a decline in mental health among seniors. To combat this, the Pasadena Senior Center offers numerous activities and classes each week to encourage engagement and connection.

Activities at the center include various options such as pool, painting classes, and training sessions for the annual Pasadena Senior Games. These programs not only provide entertainment but also foster social interactions among seniors, which is essential for maintaining their mental well-being.

Additionally, the Pasadena Senior Center offers daily lunch services and operates a food pantry to assist those in need, especially in the aftermath of the wildfires. This holistic approach to support aims to address both nutritional and psychological needs.

KCAL News has previously partnered with organizations like Sycamores and the Special Needs Network Los Angeles this month to further its outreach efforts related to mental health. The observance of Mental Health Month, established in 1949, is designed to reduce stigma around mental health treatment, as noted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The partnership between KCAL News and local nonprofits underscores a commitment to community recovery following the January wildfires. In addition to highlighting organizations, KCAL News has initiated ‘Coffee with KCAL,’ where staff members connect with communities affected by the fires to assist them in rebuilding their lives.

For those seeking mental health resources, KCAL News has created a Mental Health Awareness Resources Page, offering a comprehensive list of support services available to the community.