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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Patient in Therapy

It’s peak springtime in Los Angeles: the weather is getting warmer, the flowers are out in full bloom, and the days are getting longer. These signs typically point to factors that promote overall well-being. However, despite these signs, many are still struggling with an issue that isn’t discussed enough: the importance of mental health. For this reason, it's crucial to recognize and promote understanding to reduce stigma and encourage conversations about mental health. After all, May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Founded in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health conditions and the millions of people affected by them. This month-long campaign highlights the struggles many face, educates the public, and advocates for policies and resources that support mental well-being. Despite the progress made, stigma around mental health still exists. Promoting awareness is essential to dispel myths and break down barriers that prevent people from seeking treatment and support.

According to the California Health Care Foundation, nearly 1 in 7 adults in California are experiencing a mental illness, and 1 in 14 children have an emotional disturbance that limits their daily functioning, such as at school and home*. Access to and affordability of mental health treatment are crucial for addressing these needs.

Among the many types of loans offered by JFLA, loans for mental health needs are included. Since our inception, JFLA has been offering medical loans to meet the well-being needs of our community. Through a recent partnership with the UniHealth Foundation, JFLA established the Mental Healthcare Loan Fund, specifically dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of our community. Loans can cover a broad range of services aimed at alleviating the costs associated with mental health care, including (but not limited to):

  • Individual or group sessions (such as marriage or family counseling) with licensed therapists or psychologists
  • Psychiatric evaluations and ongoing psychiatric care
  • Medication and prescriptions for mental health conditions
  • Short- or long-term inpatient mental health treatments
  • Emergency care
  • Crisis hotlines and intervention services
  • Alternative treatment options such as mindfulness and meditation, art therapy, music therapy, acupuncture, yoga, etc.

Beyond these loans, JFLA’s Feit 4 KidZ Fund is also partnering with Mavida Health. Feitz 4 KidZ was established 11 years ago through the generosity of Emily and Alan Feit to provide zero-interest, zero-fee loans to individuals and couples struggling with financial costs related to IVF, surrogacy, and adoption including mental health expenses related to fertility. The partnership recognizes the profound impact that infertility and the struggle to conceive has on anyone’s health, and are working together to provide support to those affected.

To learn more about JFLA’s mental health lending program and to apply, please visit this link. You may also apply for a loan through our new mobile app, now available in the Apple or Google app store.

* https://www.chcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MentalHealthAlmanac2022.pdf

JFLA Assistant