On May 16, 2025, over 100 mental health professionals, community members, and advocates gathered the annual Community Engagement Research Program Symposium hosted by the UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute at The Lundquist Institute (CTSI).
The Community Engagement and Research Program (CERP) partners with community members, organizations, service providers, policymakers, academia, government, local health systems and researchers to identify and research public health priorities to improve healthcare access in Los Angeles County.
This year’s topic, “Connecting Families and Communities to Mental Health Care and Crisis Resources,” offered a critical platform to address adolescent mental health and suicide prevention through dynamic presentations, candid discussions, and resource sharing.
The symposium’s invited guest speakers set the tone for a day of impactful dialogue.
- Dr. Jocelyn Meza, a UCLA researcher and clinician, whose presentation emphasized culturally responsive interventions for suicide prevention among Black and Latinx youth.
- Michelle “Michael” Wright, a dedicated community leader, shared a powerful personal story of loss and advocacy, reminding attendees of the deep human connection that underpins prevention work.
- Franklin Romero, LCSW, and Karon Austin, LCSW, from LA County Department of Mental Health, presented on adolescent suicide screening in emergency departments, bringing practical insights into systems-level interventions.
- Dr. Hurnan Vongsachang and Dr. Bowen Chung provided research-driven insights on improving emergency care and mental health access for vulnerable youth.
Throughout the event, attendees engaged with resource tables, participated in live Q&As, and concluded with a raffle and networking lunch, fostering collaboration across sectors.
The Lundquist Institute and the CTSI CERP team thank all who participated and continue to advocate for the mental wellness of our communities.
