(The Center Square) – California Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Rises announced this week an initiative to support mental health services in communities affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires with a $2.2 million funding for UCLA Health’s Sound Body Sound Mind program.
The funding aims to expand school-based mental health and wellness interventions to the Los Angeles region since the Palisades fires.
Over the next two full school years, 33 schools impacted by the fires will receive comprehensive support through the program, reaching an estimated 30,000 students.
The Center Square asked Newsom’s office what schools are a part of this initiative, but has yet to receive a response.
Newsom said the initiative is designed to respond directly to the needs identified by fire survivors, particularly children who continue to experience trauma from the disasters. He emphasized that the effort builds on the state’s existing recovery work while deepening support for affected families and neighborhoods.
The Los Angeles Unified School District recently confirmed that students and staff have returned to the campus of Palisades Charter High School following extensive damage from the Palisades Fire in January 2025. More than 30% of classrooms were destroyed, forcing students to attend classes in temporary facilities during the 2025–26 school year while rebuilding efforts were underway.
Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, the Mark Walter Family Foundation and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation have committed up to $100 million to LA Rises.
“At the California Fire Foundation, we know that wildfire recovery is about more than rebuilding structures; it’s about restoring well-being. We’re proud to work alongside Governor Newsom, LA Rises, and UCLA Health to bring meaningful mental health support to local students impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires,” said Angie Carmignani, executive director of California Fire Foundation.
