Healthy Families / Healthy Communities (HF/HC)

Community Safety

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Toxic stress has been identified as a broad causal factor in violence and criminal behavior [Bolland J.M. (2003); Askeland, I.R. & Heir, T. (2014); Hosie J., Gilbert F., Simpson K., & Daffern M. (2014)]. Stress and trauma experienced in childhood and adolescence contributes to risk factors associated with higher levels of violence and poor educational outcomes including low grades, suspensions and dropping out of school. Stress can cause, and often exacerbates impulsivity, anxiety, depression, anger, bullying, lack of motivation, low self- esteem, low self-control, ADHD, inability to think critically, and proclivity for substance abuse. Toxic stress activates the fight-or- flight response, causing the prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment, decision-making, and impulse control, to be deactivated. Under conditions of chronic stress, the prefrontal cortex becomes smaller and less effective, which may contribute to anti-social or violent behavior.

The primary risk factors our program addresses are stress and trauma, which health officials now recognize as a major public health epidemic. The core element of our program utilizes the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique, a powerful, evidence-based secular approach to effectively reduce toxic stress and strengthen brain integration. Published research establishes the impact of TM on reducing anxiety, depression, anger, low self-control, ADHD, substance abuse and criminal recidivism. The TM technique is a simple and easy to practice meditation. It involves no focused attention or open monitoring, making it unique in its ability to reduce Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. (Weill Cornell Medical Center - New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City - where a pilot study of physicians found significant reductions in physician burnout, insomnia, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress over a three-month period practicing TM). There have been over 400 peer-reviewed, published studies conducted on TM verifying the physiological and psychological benefits of the practice for reducing stress and stress-related disorders, including anxiety, depression, hypertension, insomnia and heart disease. (https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/research.html#education) Youth and their families will be referred to our LA team by social workers and clinicians from LAUSD's Student Health and Human Services (SHHS) department and given the opportunity to learn TM.

DLF is working towards addressing health inequities in our cities, as well as increasing the wellness and wellbeing of community members by addressing the underlying individual trauma and stress that leads to compromised mental health and wellbeing. By partnering with LAUSD and working with many families in under-resourced communities we increase our ability to have real positive impact. HF/HC has shown to improve the overall mental and physical health, focus, academic achievement and parental engagement among families (youth and parents/guardians) who choose to participate. The program is designed to ensure families engage in a shared positive experience and increased connection within the family. With this increase in a strong, positive healthy foundation at home, we expect neighborhoods to benefit with a safer environment and all-around increased peace and wellness for our communities in Los Angeles County.

Our work with communities is to support them achieving systemic change by providing the tool of TM for expanding potential and reducing mental and physical symptoms related to trauma and toxic stress, and therefore, decrease the tendency for violence. In a study, where the impact of TM on 9th grade students was examined, outcomes between students participating in the program and not participating were compared. Those who learned TM demonstrated lower anxiety and higher resilience compared to the students who did not participate. (Wendt, S.; Hipps, J.; Abrams, A; et al. Contemp School Psychol. 2015.) ?An IRB has been approved by UCLA for a one-year research study on TM and improved family life. ?Parents and caregivers will be invited to participate in the study. ? Our research partner is: Todd Michael Franke, Ph.D. Professor Department of Social Welfare Chair, Doctoral Program UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs UCLA Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children and Families

DLF? Los Angeles?'s partnership with LAUSD is district?-wide?, with a research/demonstration project focused on Region East (MacArthur Park area near downtown Los Angeles). A formal Memorandum of Understanding ?is in process ?with LAUSD. Over 400+ LAUSD staff, including clinicians, psychiatric social workers and mental health professionals have completed TM training in the last year. LAUSD families will be referred by school Social Workers, Classroom Teachers, School Administrators and Wellness Center Clinicians. They will do their TM training at ?the ?Central? DLF? Los Angeles office, at school site?s and LAUSD Wellness Centers.?