Samuel Dixon Family Health Center is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous $30,000 grant from the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation dedicated to bolstering mental health services within our community. The funding will be allocated towards providing counseling and support services for individuals and families who have little to no access to mental health resources and represents a significant step to forward SDFHC’s commitment to enhancing mental health resources for individuals and families in need.

“We are extremely grateful for the generous support from the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation of our mental health program,” said Philip Solomon, CEO. “Their commitment to fostering well-being will ripple through countless lives, illuminating paths to healing and resilience. These funds will allow us to extend our reach and provide vital mental health support to those who seek it and we are immensely grateful for the generosity, dedication to improving mental wellness in our community, and our long-standing partnership.”

The grant comes at a good time as SDFHC is set to expand their mental health program. They are in the works to move their existing Newhall program, currently co-located in the health center, to a larger facility in early 2024. This expansion will increase accessibility for individuals who have limited resources, are of low income, and from high risk or underserved communities. According to the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, mental health ranked in the top five of significant health needs in Santa Clarita with limited mental health resources for individuals and families with limited financial resources and with the cost of services a barrier to receive care.

“Prioritizing behavioral healthcare for each individual is not only an investment in the person, but an investment in the Santa Clarita community as a whole,” said Amanda Hills, clinical director. “With this generous grant, SDFHC can continue to develop and maintain evidence-based programs, creating more compassionate and supportive services for those in need.”

SDFHC currently has three mental health locations conveniently located throughout the SCV in Newhall, Canyon Country and Valencia, that offer culturally attuned, trauma-informed, relational therapy for children, teens, adults, and families. Services are available in both English and Spanish. It is the belief of SDFHC that no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.

“Through this mental health grant, our Board of Directors continues to pave the way for transformative change,” said Gloria Mercado-Fortine, chairperson of the Board for Samuel Dixon Family Health Center. “The Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation’s dedication and vision empower us to champion mental wellness, steering our community towards a brighter, healthier future. Together, we stand committed to fostering compassion, understanding, and support for those navigating their mental health journeys.”

Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. is a full-service health safety-net provider offering high- quality, culturally sensitive, affordable and accessible primary care services to all residents of the Santa Clarita Valley and other underserved areas, with a special emphasis on serving the uninsured and underinsured of our community. Established in 1980, SDFHC operates healthcare programs in Val Verde, Canyon Country, Newhall, Valencia, College of the Canyons and California Institute of the Arts. For more information, visit us at www.sdfhc.org. SDFHC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), all donations are tax deductible.