PC Press Release
Contact: Brian Greene
(626) 354-1484

Arcadia, CA — August 5, 2009 — For homeless youth, especially those with mental health and substance abuse conditions, life on the streets is a cold and dangerous place.

 

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, more than 2.4 million young adults ages 18 to 26 are diagnosed with a serious mental illness in a given year, and suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds. A recent University of California, Davis study revealed that the highest prevalence of suicide is in the Latino population with 15% of Latinas attempting suicide before the age of 24.

 

Pacific Clinics Transitional Age Youth Center in Rancho Cucamonga is providing hope to these troubled young adults from across western San Bernardino County. The center offers assistance to people between the ages of 16 and 25 who are in need of behavior health care services.

 

Funded through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, the TAY Center has been able to positively impact the lives of hundreds of teens and young adult consumers on a daily basis since the center opened in August 2008. The center provides supportive services in a safe and comfortable environment and assists TAY consumers with defining and accomplishing their life goals while also providing a variety of behavioral healthcare support services.

 

“Services are offered by young adult leaders and experienced professional staff dedicated to helping young people build life-sustaining skills,” says Peter Lopez, Pacific Clinics Divisional Director who oversees TAY services. “Additionally, most of the activities at the TAY Center are largely designed by the youth served by the center. The TAY Center also supports youth by providing a place to fill basic needs such as a meal, a shower or a place to do laundry.”

 

On Wednesday, August 5, the Center will host a Dedication/Open House from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 9047 Arrow Route, Suite 170, Rancho Cucamonga. Local dignitaries attending this event include Allan Rawland, Director, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, Mayor Donald Kurth, Rancho Cucamonga; May Farr, BSN, San Bernardino County Mental Health Commissioner.