LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and First 5 LA on May 17, launched Help Me Grow LA or HMG LA, to ensure every family that has developmental concerns about their child receives guidance and support. Help Me Grow will also help families navigate what can be a fragmented and challenging network of existing services, working with local programs to ensure that children are connected to services as early as possible — when it can help the most.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 1 in 6 children ages 3-17 have one or more developmental delays and disabilities. These children may not be connected early enough, or at all, to appropriate services and supports. These services include timely developmental screening; assessment and diagnosis of developmental delays and disabilities; and early intervention supports and services. A survey by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research showed that children of color have lower rates of access to both screening and early intervention services compared to white children. Furthermore, families in L.A. County are impacted by inequities that exist in access to early screenings, connections to intervention services and quality of services.
Families and providers can connect with HMG LA through a call center (833-903-3972) staffed by a team of trained resource liaisons who assist them with navigating the county’s complex system of care. The call center is available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. HMG LA also has an online hub (HelpMeGrowLA.org) that offers information and resources about infant and young child developmental milestones, screenings, and community services. Parents, caregivers, early learning, health and early intervention providers can contact the call center or submit an online contact form on the website to be connected to a resource liaison.
In addition, HMG LA is working with local community partners, and health plans to make sure all children are screened for developmental concerns in a timely manner, according to a schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
HMG LA is advised by a Community & Family Engagement Council comprised of parents, caregivers, and community advocates.
Details: HelpMeGrowLA.org
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