LA Schools Get Sexual Health, Substance Abuse Wellbeing Centers

LOS ANGELES, CA — Fifty Los Angeles County High Schools will soon get Wellbeing Centers providing mental health services as well as counseling in substance abuse, sexual health, and skills for maintaining healthy relationships.

Los Angeles County and education officials Wednesday announced the program, which will involve a partnership with Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. Each center will be staffed by two master's-level health educators who will organize classes and activities designed to help students develop healthy habits.

"Empowering our teenagers is a priority," County Supervisor Hilda Solis said. "We must support the well-being of our youth so they can thrive at school and view their futures with optimism and hope. Wellbeing Centers provide students a safe space to receive information and resources on substance use prevention, sexual health and mental health."

Planned Parenthood Los Angeles will initially provide "a full range of sexual health services one day a week" at Bell, Esteban Torres, South East, South Gate and West Adams Preparatory high schools. The agency hopes to expand to all 50 schools on a rolling basis over the next two years.

County officials say research has shown that many county students lack preventative care at a time when they are at risk of taking up smoking or vaping or engaging in unsafe sex or alcohol use.

"Our schools desperately need on-site resources to promote student mental health and wellness so that teachers can teach and students can learn," County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo said. "The Wellbeing Centers provide this support by harnessing resources from across the county to benefit our students and staff. They exemplify the meaningful impact of multiple agencies coming together on behalf of kids and families."

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.