Jan. 22--Mental health and civic leaders honored longtime Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich on Wednesday by renaming a newly refurbished service center for him.
Kita S. Curry, who heads the nonprofit Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, which runs the Glendale center, told attendees at a ceremony that the supervisor had been instrumental in raising funds for the renovation and an expansion of services.
The $1.2 million in county funds Antonovich secured for the renovation of what is now the Michael D. Antonovich Building, encouraged private donors to also contribute, Curry said.
Antonovich, who is serving his last term on the county's elected board, said the center is a vital part of the community that helps people overcome sometimes-daunting mental health issues.
"What we really need in this world are stable people who make stable decisions" and are able to raise their children to succeed, Antonovich said, before helping unveil the building's sign bearing his name.
The Glendale facility served nearly 2,000 mostly low-income clients last year. Among its services are outpatient care for children, families and adults, teen groups and programs in 18 area schools.
The Hirsch organization, with 11 locations, provides mental healthcare and substance abuse services in some of the area's most underserved communities. It was the first in the nation to establish a 24-hour suicide hotline.
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