Upcoming Events for the Week of October 24th
Here is a roundup of this week’s conferences, webinars, and trainings for home visitors and others who work with pregnant women and families with little ones. Also included: events around L.A. County that you can share with the families you serve. Want to look further into the future? See the comprehensive lists we update weekly for:
Do you have something for us to include? Email snish@labestbabies.org. And stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
October is:
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month
- Eye Injury Prevention Month
- Health Literacy Month
- Meet the Blind Month
- National Dental Hygiene Month
- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
See 211 LA County’s domestic violence resources - National Medical Librarians Month
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
See grief support resources in L.A. County, Postpartum.net’s resources, and follow #NeverBeStill on social media - Prenatal-onset GBS Disease Recognition Month
- Spina Bifida Awareness Month
See the Expectant Parent’s Guide, and this “News Moms Need” blog post on reducing the risk of having a baby with spina bifida. - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month
– More resources on SIDS: - LA County Dept. of Public Health Flyer
- SIDS Information & Materials
- NIH’s Safe to Sleep Campaign and the SIDS Awareness Month Toolkit
- Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 2 – 8)
- National Primary Care Week (October 4 – 9)
- Walk to School Day (October 12)
- World Mental Health Day (October 10)
- World Sight Day (October 13)
- World Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day (October 15)
- National Health Education Week (October 17 – 21)
- Respiratory Care Week (October 23 – 29)
- Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 23 – 29)
- World Occupational Therapy (OT) Day (October 27)
Ongoing Opportunities
Request FREE COVID-19 Home Antigen Tests to Distribute in the Community You Serve
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) is distributing FREE home antigen COVID-19 test kits to community agencies within high-need communities to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. If your agency is interested in distributing these in the community, please submit your request online using this link.
Podcast: DMH UCLA Public Mental Health Partnership
Lots of episodes on interesting and useful topics for home visitors – available on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. In partnership with the L.A. County Department of Mental Health, the Public Mental Health Partnership at UCLA “aims to realize a vision for excellence in care for vulnerable populations that incorporates typically marginalized perspectives and builds capacity to foster health equity.” Visit pmhp.ucla.edu to learn more.
Free COVID-19 Vaccines
Safe, effective and free – COVID-19 vaccines are widely available (even for babies who are at least 6 months old), regardless of health insurance and immigration status. There are hundreds of vaccination sites across L.A. County, and many are open late and on weekends with no appointment required. Visit VaccinateLACounty.com to find a location near you. See the CDC’s page on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens.
Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Test to Treat COVID-19 Program
Get free same-day testing and free antiviral medication across LA County sites. Click here, call 211, or text 844-833-1334 to find a free county testing location.
Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
RAPID Survey for Parents and Caregivers of Young Children
The RAPID Survey Team at Stanford University is seeking parents and child care providers of young children (birth-5 years old) to participate in a 10-minute survey (in English or Spanish) to gather information about the needs and well-being of family households. Participants receive a $5 Amazon gift card. Visit rapidsurveyproject.com to learn more.
Discounted Internet Access: Affordable Connectivity Program
Run by the Federal Communications Commission, this program reduces the cost of internet for families with a limited income. See if you qualify here.
Get Child Care Financial Assistance
The Child Care Resource Center helps families find and apply for child care assistance. Apply here (or here in Spanish). Learn more at CCRCCA.org or call 1-866-67-4KIDS. See CCRC’s flyer for parents in English and Spanish.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This program assists families with energy costs. They provide federally-funded assistance in managing costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. Eligibility for LIHEAP services can vary depending on income, household size, place of residence, and other factors. To apply for LIHEAP services and to inquire about the type of assistance available in your area, please use the search feature to contact your local LIHEAP agency for more information.
Volunteers Needed for LA County Community Action Board
Join and advocate for our community’s needs at the monthly Community Action Board (CAB) meetings. Contact Hugo Giron at hugogiron@dpss.lacounty.gov.
UCLA Breastfeeding Study: Seeking Interview Participants
Get a $75 gift card for doing a 45- to 60-minute phone/zoom interview about breastfeeding. Must be pregnant or have recently given birth and identify as Asian American, Black or African American, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Select a time to do the interview here. Contact ajscheitler@ucla.edu if you have questions.
Study conducted by UCLA Center for Health Policy Research
MotherToBaby Study: Seeking Participants
MotherToBaby is currently enrolling pregnant women in an observational study to explore how asthma and its treatment affect pregnancy. All studies are conducted through phone interviews — no changes to your normal routine or travel required.
Study conducted by MotherToBaby
Pregnant Persons Focus Groups and Survey: Seeking Participants
2020 Mom and the American Psychiatric Association are conducting a study to assess gaps in care and treatment of mental maternal health. Those who are currently pregnant, have given birth, or experienced pregnancy loss in the past 24 months are invited to participate. Participants who complete the two one-hour sessions will receive a $200 honorarium and those who complete the survey will receive a $30 Amazon gift card.
Study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association and 2020 Mom
Parent-Child Interaction Research Study: Seeking Participants
Are you a parent between the ages of 18-35 who was formerly in foster care and is now parenting a 6–18 month-old child? You’re invited to participate in this research study. You may be eligible to receive a $20 gift card. To learn more, call (626) 657-8745 or email ECampi15@Chan.USC.edu.
Black Mothers Wellness Study: Seeking Survey Participants
Are you a Black mother who has a 1-12 month-old baby? You’re invited to complete an online survey to share about your experiences as a new mother. To thank you for your time, you will get a $15 VISA gift card. For more information or to participate, email KFJames@mednet.ucla.edu or call (310) 794-7649.
Study conducted by the National Clinician Scholars Program at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
CalKIDS Program Gives Money to Families to Save for College
Low-income families with public school students in grades 1-12 can now open college savings accounts, and California will contribute seed investments of up to $1,500 for each child. All California families with newborns (born on or after July 1, 2022) can also open these accounts and receive up to $100 from the state. Read more about eligibility, and see this FAQ page. To see these pages in another language click “Language” on the right side.
Apply to Become a Help Me Grow LA Parent Champion
Help Me Grow LA (HMG LA) is recruiting parents, caregivers and community members across Los Angeles County to join the HMG LA Community and Family Engagement Council (CFEC) as Parent Champions. You’ll serve as a strategic planning partner and advocate for HMG LA, representing the family perspective and helping to ensure that early childhood services and resources meet the needs of children with or at risk of behavioral and/or developmental delays and disabilities. Members meet four times a year. Applications are available in English and Spanish. Apply today!
WIC Families Get Benefits at the Farmers’ Market
WIC families can get $30 to buy fruits and vegetables at WIC-certified Farmers’ Markets (limit one per family per year). Text “Farmers” to 91997 for more info or use this tool to find your nearest Farmers’ Market that accepts WIC.
Pregnant? Sign up for KPCC’s New Pregnancy Texting Service
KPCC and LAist have a new texting service that they are inviting pregnant people to help beta test. Get answers to some of your questions about pregnancy, birth and parent life. Text “heybb” to 73224 to sign up.
Food Giveaways
See our updated list throughout L.A. County. For all in-person events, remind families to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and stay home if they feel sick or have been diagnosed with COVID.
Infant Formula Resources for Families in L.A. County and Across California
See this updated post in the Stronger Families Blog for resources and information to share with the families you serve.
Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) ProgramThis program is open to low-income individuals who live in Los Angeles County. LIFE offers discounts on weekly and monthly transit passes on Metro and any LIFE participating transit agencies.
Presented by Metro
Free or Low-Cost Internet for Students
Visit GetConnectedLosAngeles.lacity.org or call 3-1-1 to learn about available options.
Presented by the City of L.A.
Resources to Bridge the Digital Divide
A recent LA Health Collaborative focused on helping underserved families in LA County get connected. For a very comprehensive library of resources, see the Digital Divide Toolkit from the Community Clinic Association of LA County. Here are a couple of good links to share with clients (those without Internet access can call 3-1-1 to learn about available options):
Get Connected LosAngeles
Affordable Connectivity Program
What You Should Know About Monkeypox
This continually updated webpage from the LA County Department of Public Health answers your questions and helps you find a vaccine clinic if you are at risk.
COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available to Children Older Than 6 Months
Over 900 locations across Los Angeles County are now vaccinating children ages 6 months and older. Visit VaccinateLACounty.com or VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) to learn about locations, and schedules for clinics offering these and other COVID-19 vaccines.
Free Rapid & PCR COVID Testing
Dates and times vary: Locations varyFree testing will be available by appointment only.
Presented by Total Testing Solutions
Pick-Up Testing Kit Program
If you have COVID symptoms or think you were exposed to COVID, you can pick up a free PCR testing kit, administer it yourself, and return it to a designated site for processing. See pick-up locations here.
Free COVID-19 Vaccines, Food, Diapers, Wipes, and more!
By appointment only
To make an appointment, call (323) 789-4717.
Presented by The Children’s Collective – Family Source Center
Golden Bear Pass
CalWORKs families can now receive a complimentary 2022 Golden Bear Pass, which grants free entry at 200+ state parks and beaches. Learn more and apply here (or in Spanish here). Questions? Contact the California Dept. of Social Services at (916) 651-0515 or calworksoutreach@dss.ca.gov.
Discounted Internet Service Still Available
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps income-eligible households afford high-speed internet service. The program provides up to a $30 monthly discount per family. To learn more or apply, visit InternetForAllNow.org or call 866-425-2870.
Have You Gotten Your Child Tax Credit Yet?
The Child Tax Credit puts cash in your hands to help with the rising cost of raising kids. You can get up to $3,600 per child under age 6 and up to $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17. File your claim at GetCTC.org (or in Spanish at GetCTCorg/es).
Opportunity LA Offers Free Savings Accounts for Children
The City and County of Los Angeles, along with LAUSD, are working together to provide all LAUSD first-graders with a FREE Child Saving Account (CSA) to help save for college — regardless of the student or parent’s income, background or immigration status. All eligible students will receive an initial $50 deposit. Additional deposits can be made by students and families. To learn more about the program, visit OpportunityLA.com or watch videos in English and Spanish here.
Presented by the City and County of L.A., in partnership with LAUSD and Citibank
Monday, October 24
2022 DMV Perinatal Mental Health Symposium: And Justice for All
October 24, TBA
Presented by Mary’s Center, in partnership with The Developing Brain Institute
Virtual Training: Introduction to the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)
October 24, 6:00am – 2:00pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints
Virtual Training: Trauma – Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Full Protocol
October 24, 9:00am – 1:00pm
Presented by Children’s Institute Inc.
Virtual Training: Engaging Fathers & Other Adult Males in the Child and Family Team Process
October 24, 9:00am – 11:30am
To register, you must create an account with eventsHUB.
Presented by LA County Department of Mental Health
Webinar: Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative
October 24, 10:00am – 11:30am
Part of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Webinar Series
Presented by the California Department of Public Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch and Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative
Free Vaccine Clinic
October 24,10:00am – 1:00pm: Stevenson Ranch Library, 25950 The Old Rd, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
LA County Department of Public Health is partnering with LA County Library to provide free flu vaccines, Covid-19 vaccines, and updated bivalent boosters to people 6 months of age and older, no health insurance required.
Presented by Los Angeles County Library and LA County Department of Public Health
Webinar: Fostering Partnerships to Address Racism and Disparities in Cancer Care
October 24, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Presented by Center for Health Care Strategies
Webinar and Virtual Discussion Group: Parenting While Rising to Child Developmental Challenges: The Day We Found Out
October 24, 12:00pm
This is a free, 6-episode virtual conversation series for families and child-development professionals. (See other dates in the link above.) Also available in Spanish.
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center
Virtual Meeting (in Spanish): Homeless Initiative
October 24, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Presented by County of Los Angeles Homeless Initiative
2nd District Virtual Town Hall on L.A. County Budget
October 24, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Spanish, Korean, & ASL translation will be available.
Presented by Office of L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell
Free Blood Lead Testing for Children
October 24 – 28, 7:30am – 5:00pm: Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center, 245 S. Fetterly Ave., East Los Angeles, CA 90022
Presented by County of Los Angeles and others
Mom and Baby Action Network Summit
October 24 – 25: Atlanta, GA
Presented by Mom and Baby Action Network
Tuesday, October 25
Virtual Training: Learning to Advocate for Children and Families: Telling Your Story for Impact
October 25; 9:00am – 10:00am
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center
Virtual Summit: Road to Food Justice: Learning from the Past, Navigating the Future
October 25, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by L.A. County Department of Public Health and others
Webinar: Student Debt Cancellation: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What Happens Next
October 25, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Presented by The Century Foundation
Trick or Treat Village
October 25 – 29
This spooky season, join LA County Parks & Recreation as they transform parks into scary fun Trick or Treat Villages! Trick or Treat Villages will feature game booths, free candy, live concerts, costume contests, pumpkin carving, and so much more. Click here to find your closest park and join for some Halloween fun!
Presented by L.A. County Parks & Recreation
Middle Class Tax Credit Information Session
October 25, 12:00pm
Presented by Free Tax Prep Los Angeles and others
How to Survive and Thrive: Building Healthy Relationships
October 25, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Presented by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Gabriel Valley
Wednesday, October 26
Virtual Workshop: Suicide – Focused Assessment and Treatment
October 26, 8:30am – 3:00pm
Presented by McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School Affiliate
Virtual Training: Integrated Core Practice Model Foundational Training
October 26, 9:00am – 12:00pm
To register for this training, you must create an account with eventsHUB.
Presented by LA County Department of Mental Health
Webinar: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
October 26, 10:00am – 11:30am
Part of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Webinar Series
Presented by the California Department of Public Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch and California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW)
Free Vaccine Clinic
October 26, 10:00am – 3:00pm: East Los Angeles Library, 4837 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90022
LA County Department of Public Health is partnering with LA County Library to provide free flu vaccines, Covid-19 vaccines, and updated bivalent boosters to people 6 months of age and older, no health insurance required.
Presented by Los Angeles County Library and LA County Department of Public Health
Virtual Workshop: I Hear You: Active Listening to Engage Families
October 26, 10:00am – 11:30pm
Part of the Strengths-Based Family Engagement Webinar Series
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center
Virtual Public Hearing: California’s New Prenatal Screening (PNS) Program
October 26, 10:00am – 11:30am
Presented by the California Department of Public Health
Webinar: The Latest Developments in Maternal Mental Health Screening
October 26, 11:30am – 12:45pm
Presented by 2020 Mom
Webinar: Celebrating Indigenous Family and Cultural Strengths & Promoting Health Equity
October 26, 12:00pm
Part of the Learning to Listen series (see also December 7)
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center
Virtual Training: Role of the Clinician: Participating in the Child and Family Team Process
October 26, 1:00pm – 4:30pm
To register for this training, you must create an account with eventsHUB.
Presented by LA County Department of Mental Health
Senior Resource Workshop
October 26, 9:00am – 10:30am: Hawthorne Senior Center Parking Lot, 3901 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250
Learn about free resources available to senior citizens. If you have any questions, call the office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell at (213) 974-2222 or email Ara An at Aan@bos.lacounty.gov
Presented by Office of L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell
Child Tax Credit Information Session
October 26, 12:00pm
Presented by Free Tax Prep Los Angeles and others
Learn N Make: Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
October 26, 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Graham Public Library, 1900 E Firestone Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90001
RSVP required. This event is for children ages 5-12. They must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Presented L.A. County Library
Virtual Event: Community Feedback Session: LA County Library Services and Programs
October 26, 5:30pm
Share your thoughts on what you want the library to provide.
Presented by LA County Library and Supervisor Holly Mitchell
Thursday, October 27
Webinar: Psychedelic Therapy: Problems and Promises
October 27, 9:00am – 11:00am
Presented by Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Webinar: California Day Care Facilities Act Information Session
October 27, 10:00am – 11:30am
Part of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Webinar Series
Presented by the California Department of Public Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch and California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and Office of Water Programs (OWP) at California State University, Sacramento
Free Vaccine Clinic
October 27, 10:00am – 3:00pm: Rowland Heights Library, 1850 Nogales St, Rowland Heights, CA 91748
LA County Department of Public Health is partnering with LA County Library to provide free flu vaccines, Covid-19 vaccines, and updated bivalent boosters to people 6 months of age and older, no health insurance required.
Presented by Los Angeles County Library and LA County Department of Public Health
Free Vaccine Clinic
October 27, 10:00am – 3:00pm: La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd, Glendale, CA 91214
LA County Department of Public Health is partnering with LA County Library to provide free flu vaccines, Covid-19 vaccines, and updated bivalent boosters to people 6 months of age and older, no health insurance required.
Presented by Los Angeles County Library and LA County Department of Public Health
Webinar: Overcoming Barriers to Family-Staff Partnerships
October 27, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Part of the Childhood Mental Health Series (see also November 3 & 10)
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center
Webinar: A Systems Integration Approach to Reducing Inequities in Early Intervention Referrals and Increasing Retention
October 27, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by ZERO TO THREE
Finding Credible Health Information
October 27, 11:00am
Searching the web for information about an ailment can return an overwhelming number of results! Join this webinar to learn how to select information from reliable health and medical sources. This event is for adults.
Presented by L.A. County Library
Free Tax Prep Los Angeles Webinar
October 27, 12:00pm
Presented by Free Tax Prep Los Angeles and others
Webinar: The Elephant in the Room: How to Talk to Survivors about Abortion and Reproductive Health
October 27, 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Presented by Los Angeles County Women & Girls Initiative and others
Webinar: Promising Practices in California’s Medicaid Transformation Initiative: Spotlight on Community Partnerships
October 27, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Presented by Center for Health Care Strategies
Webinar: Intimate Partner Violence in Later Life: Available Services and Service Gaps for the Aging and Domestic Violence Networks
October 27, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Presented by the Los Angeles Later Life Intimate Partner Violence Learning Collaborative and others
Save the Date: 2022 California Primary Care Association
October 27 – 28, TBA: Safe Credit Union Convention Center, 1400 J St., Sacramento, CA 95814
Presented by the California Primary Care Association
Friday, October 28
Monthly Food Pantry
October 28, 1:00pm – 3:30pm: Palmdale Community Resource Center, 2072 E. Palmdale Blvd, Palmdale, CA 93550
Receive a bag of groceries at no cost. No pre-registration is required. See the Center’s calendar of upcoming events.
Presented by Palmdale Community Resource Center
Racial Justice Learning Exchange: Historic Crenshaw District Walking Tour and Bystander Training
October 28, 2:00pm – 4:00pm: Lula Washington Dance Theater, 3773 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
You must RSVP to attend this event. If you have any questions, contact Marina Escobedo at MEscobedo@bos.lacounty.gov or David Park at DPark@bos.lacounty.gov
Presented by Office of L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s
Halloween and Día De Los Muertos Celebration
October 28, 2:00pm – 4:00pm: Palmdale City Library, 700 E Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale, CA 93550
Guests are encouraged to attend in costume for photo opportunities.
Presented by The City of Palmdale
Howl-O-Ween Dog Event
October 28, 5:00pm – 7:00pm: Yellen Dog Park, 5100 E. Ave. S, Palmdale, CA 93552
Dogs are invited to dress up in their best family/group, funniest, or scariest dog costume. Judging will take place from 5-6 pm only.
Presented by the City of Palmdale
Saturday, October 29
Free Vaccine Clinic
October 29, 10:00am – 3:00pm: Compton Library, 240 W Compton Blvd, Compton, CA 90220
LA County Department of Public Health is partnering with LA County Library to provide free flu vaccines, Covid-19 vaccines, and updated bivalent boosters to people 6 months of age and older, no health insurance required.
Presented by Los Angeles County Library and LA County Department of Public Health
Family Wellness Resource Fair
October 29, 12:00pm – 4:00pm: Alondra Park Playground #3, 3856 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Lawndale, CA 90260
If you have any questions, call the office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell at (213) 974-2222 or email Ara An at Aan@bos.lacounty.gov
Presented by Office of L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and others
Sunday, October 30
We don’t know of any events happening on this day.