CENTER FOR APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS

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hoc � ±� Mental Health& CARS E X H I B I T A - Scope Wellbeing for Diverse Communities CENTER FOR APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS Program Overview: OC Mental Health and Wellbeing for Diverse Communities is an initiative that was launched in January of 2023. Funded by OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA),the Center for Applied Research Solutions (CARS) ("Partner') provides a public calendar of local events and a training and technical assistance (TTA) site for four exceptional, collaborative community partners within Orange County.The goal of this initiative is to promote wellness, reduce the stigma of mental health, and improve access to mental health resources for diverse communities in Orange County. In partnership with these unique collaborative partners, CARS is committed to supporting and enhancing the capacity and efficacy of the outreach staff who work directly with members of the community whose mental health needs are often unserved and/or underserved. CARS supports outreach staff working directly with under/unserved populations and has hosted annual outreach events to showcase the work of partner agencies. Key collaborators include: • Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), • Latino Health Access (LHA), • US Vets, and • Access to Prevention Advocacy Intervention &Treatment(APAIT). In 2024,the "Blossoming Together" event was held at The Great Park in Irvine, attracting 700+ attendees, 72 mental health agencies, and 11 cultural performances. 2025 Plans In its final year,the initiative will enter into a Title Level Partnership with the City of Santa Ana's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency("PRCSA") and shift focus to a smaller,community-driven event at a garden space at Roosevelt Walker Community Center in Santa Ana.The Title Level Partnership streamlines participation for Partner and PRCSA and allows for collaborative planning and opportunities for city-wide community engagement.This event will highlight: • Gardening and nutrition, • Community connection, and • The mental health benefits of these activities. Planned activities for the event may include (but are not limited to): • Therapeutic Gardening: Exploring wellness benefits of gardening, • Mindfulness Practices: Meditation and stress-reduction techniques, • Cultural Nutrition: Highlighting significant fruits, herbs, and vegetables, • Herbal Remedies: Making teas,tinctures, and skincare products, • Healthy Eating on a Budget: Sharing recipes,SNAP/EBT tips, • Upcycling for Gardening: Creative recycling for planters, • Composting 101: Demonstrations with mental health insights,