Senator Portantino & First District PTA Host Family Health Forum
La Cañada Flintridge, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) and First District PTA are again partnering for an important public health discussion. On Saturday, Portantino and the PTA will be joined by four family therapists for a virtual Family Health Forum. The forum will provide strategies for families abiding by social distancing recommendations to better cope with the effects of COVID-19.
"I always approach my job from the perspective of being a dad. Families are coping with this unprecedented situation remarkably well. But, we have also seen a rise in tensions, calls to hotlines, and struggles to maintain appropriate academic and social balances and health. It's my hope that by having experts on the line answering your questions we can all work together to get through this crisis," commented Senator Portantino.
Every family faces both unique and common challenges during this unprecedented situation necessitating a calm, strong, and effective response to allow kids to continue to thrive in their home life and education. The event will include Senator Portantino, the First District PTA, local non-profits, and Marriage & Family Therapists answering questions and discussing how best to respond to this crisis.
"It's consistent with our PTA mission to look out for the welfare of our entire school family community. We are thankful for the Senator for initiating this Family Health Forum and we hope many parents, teachers, students and administrators can tune in," added Diane Hyland, President First District PTA.
Senator Portantino and First District have partnered on a series of Mental Health First Aide workshops. The Family Health Forum is a continuation of their collaboration. Participants are encouraged to submit questions to the panel prior to the forum by emailing: Portantino.FamilyHealthForum@gmail.com
WHO: Hosts: Senator Anthony J. Portantino
First District PTA
Panel Participants:
First District PTA
Senator Anthony J. Portantino
Lara Mekhitarian, LMFT
Anna Marie Rossi, MA - LMFT
Nora Chitilian - LMFT, Typical &Special Needs Children
George Holbrook, LMFT, Clinical Director - Family Service Agency
WHAT: Family Health Forum / COVID-19 Impact and Challenges
WHERE/HOW: Two ways to participate!
Call: (844) 721-7241; Access Code: 4471730
Live Stream: https://sd25.senate.ca.gov/
WHEN: Saturday, April 11, 2020
11 a.m. - 1:00 PM
This event is free and open to the public. Please email questions and comments for discussion to
