News

Dr. Kita S. Curry, President and CEO of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, was recently  chosen as one of this year's "26 SHeroes from the 26th Senate District" by State Senator Curren D. Price, Jr.  Since 2007, the annual award has paid tribute to women who have made extraordinary contributions to their professions and communities.

When Didi Hirsch aquired the Glendale Center last year, the time was ripe for reflection on our performance and culture. With a $130,000 grant from the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, we embarked on a capacity-building initiative. We’ll be “working smarter” for our clients following an agency retreat, manager training, and full systems analysis.

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services' Suicide Prevention Center (SPC) will lead the expansion of key suicide
prevention efforts in California, thanks to the California Mental Health

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services held its first open house at its new Glendale Center on August 25th. Prominent community leaders and the general public joined together to tour the facility while learning about mental health services being provided to the Glendale area.

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has stepped forward to ensure that Glendale and the surrounding communities continue to receive the exceptional care previously provided by financially troubled Verdugo Mental Health. Verdugo commenced a chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California on March 25, 2011.

On February 22, Los Angeles television network KTLA featured a news segment on the topic of suicide and the devastating loss and pain suffered by family members.

After touring our Suicide Prevention Center, KTLA interviewed Didi Hirsch President and CEO Dr. Kita Curry on our prevention programs and recent increases in call volume to our Crisis Line.

Recently broadcast on local radio station KPCC 89.3, The California Report dedicated a segment to suicide prevention with interviews from Dr. Kita S.Curry and Didi Hirsch volunteer and survivor Ester Bryant.

Host Scott Schafer focuses on mental health issues and looks at the successful approaches as well as the unmet needs facing Californian communities.

The show has been made available for streaming from the internet or download. http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201012162000

Weekend of Thu, Dec 16, 2010 -- 8:00 PM

Broadcast on December 8, 2010 and rebroadcast December 9, 2010, Laura Ling's new show features an episode on the increase in teen suicide. Members of Didi Hirsch's Survivors After Suicide  provide insight and knowledge to help prevention efforts.

The tragic loss of a beloved Los Angeles Unified teacher has left many asking for answers on what triggers a suicide attempt. LA TIMES columnist Sandy Banks spoke at length with Dr. Kita S. Curry on the story of Rigoberto Ruelas. Her article highlights the confusion and questions that remain after a tragic loss.

read the LA TIMES column by Sandy Banks

read the full blog on Larry's website

From the Larry King Live Website:
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.  Each day, approximately 3,000
people end their own lives and leave countless others struggling with
the consequences of those actions, wondering what they could have done
to help – and often dealing silently with shame, confusion or anger.

Emmy award-winning actress Mariette Hartley formed The American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention after her own family’s tragedy.  Her
bestselling autobiography, “Breaking the Silence,” was recently reissued
in paperback.  She shares her experience with Larry King Live blog so
that others know they are not alone.