The Los Angeles Health Services Department (LA Health Services) was one several County Departments whose contributions to “A Healing Space” made the community event a huge success. Approximately 4,500 to 5,000 people attended this free event, held on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Earvin Magic Johnson Park & Recreation Center in the City of Willowbrook from 12 Noon to 4 pm. The 104-acre park comprises a beautiful fishing lake, open green spaces and walking paths that provided the ideal location for such an event.
A Healing Space was an idea shaped by the Los Angeles County Justice Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) to honor Black History Month celebrations throughout Los Angeles County as well as provide people with a healing and wellness space in the middle of the ongoing senseless violence against black and brown people. A Healing Space was designed to encourage mental, physical, and spiritual well-being in a celebratory environment as we honor Black History Month.
The event featured free food, music, a Live DJ, interactive programming for children, OUR Spot Teen Activity Zone, a Kids corner, writing and poetry workshops, movement classes, therapeutic healing circles, meditation workshops, dance, art classes, physical health screening, vaccinations, mental health support, trauma care, social services, immigration services, expungement clinics, voter registration sign-ups, pet adoptions, mobile pet clinic, employment linkages for youth and adults, plenty of giveaways, and much more.
During the event, Los Angeles Health Services offered both blood pressure and blood sugar readings, health promotion and education. These services were provided by a team of nurses from Martin Luther King, Jr. Outpatient Center. Guests in the park were eager to receive these services which prompted the team to open 45 minutes ahead of the scheduled time.
The community event offered an innovative oasis of artistic adventures, resources, and services. It provided an opportunity to experience something new or sample something familiar to calm the soul and find help that individuals and their respective families may need to find peace of mind and comfort.
