A recent study found North Pasadena is a “high priority” area that needs greater access to health services.
This month, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger brought forth a groundbreaking resolution to bring critical health and mental health services to north Pasadena residents.
In 2021, the Los Angeles Department of Health Services found in a report that north Pasadena is a “high priority area” that lacks access to both primary care and outpatient mental health services.
Barger noted that her motion will result in tangible health and mental health care solutions delivered to her district’s neighborhoods – where the need is greatest.
“This work has the potential to serve as a model and will be done in lock step with leaders from the City of Pasadena,” the supervisor said. “The first step is to find funding and a physical site where we can co-locate housing, our respective health departments, the county’s mental health professionals and local mental health organizations to fill a service gap.”
Due to Barger’s motion, the county will now take action in developing a funding plan to find that physical property in order to provide the health services.
“This county-city collaboration will make a big difference in the well-being of many people’s lives,” the supervisor added.
Pasadena’s leaders also noted the effectiveness this action will have in an area where more health services are needed most.
“I would like to thank Supervisor Barger for partnering with me and the City of Pasadena and encouraging our partners – Huntington Hospital and Fuller School of Psychology – as we take this important step forward,” Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo said. “I look forward to creating an effective and collaborative public/private partnership for the benefit of those with physical and mental health needs which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
