Healthy East Valley to spotlight youth mental health at May drug free communities meeting

The Healthy East Valley non-profit hosts a monthly Drug Free Communities Coalition meeting every third Friday from 10 am to 11:30 am at The Hall located behind Theron’s Marketplace at 122 Cajon Street, Redlands, CA 92373. 

This month’s focus is on behavioral and mental health, a growing area of concern as youth and families across the Inland Empire face increased stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.

Our featured speaker, Glenn Scott, Program Manager at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center, will discuss regional behavioral health services, early intervention programs, and community strategies to support youth mental wellness. Glenn brings years of experience in coordinating care for adolescents and working closely with local schools and nonprofits to bridge service gaps.

According to the California Health Interview Survey, nearly 1 in 3 adolescents (ages 12–17) in the state reported needing help for emotional or mental health problems in the past year. In San Bernardino County, these rates are higher than the state average, with school districts and youth organizations noting rising rates of depression, anxiety, and stress-related behaviors, particularly in post-pandemic recovery. Unaddressed mental health conditions are often linked with early substance use, academic challenges, and social withdrawal. 

Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center (BMC is one of the region’s leading providers of mental health care. The BMC offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services designed to support individuals where they are. With specialized care for children, adolescents, adults and seniors, the center plays a key role in addressing mental health needs in the local community.

Glenn’s presentation will cover access points to care, how families can seek help for loved ones in distress, and ways to better understand and navigate the mental health system. Attendees will gain valuable insight into local resources that support youth development and family well-being.

The meeting will also include updates from coalition partners and a Q&A session, providing the community with a chance to engage directly and strengthen their knowledge of local mental health services. Healthy East Valley invites all to join the conversation, as the DFCC continues to provide a platform for collaboration, awareness, and prevention strategies that support the health of our communities.

About Health East Valley: Healthy East Valley (HEV) is a nonprofit organization serving the east valley cities of San Bernardino County with expertise in health education, prevention implementation, and research evaluation. By establishing a drug free communities coalition, HEV aims to increase the community’s capacity to prevent and reduce underage substance use.