The Context

Dignity Health of Southern California (DHSC) sought an expert in program evaluation to assess and report on a new three-year project that invests in mental health training for communities in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties facing high levels of health disparities, trauma, and systemic racism. In its second year, the Cultural Trauma & Mental Health Resiliency (CTMHR) Project’s coalition of six DHSC hospitals and 11 community-based organizations have prepared 278 instructors. These instructors have trained and equipped nearly 7,500 community members to intervene and help those experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Engagement

CNM worked closely with DHSC’s leadership to create a powerful and collaborative evaluation process designed to engage at each point of the CTMHR Project. Guiding the collection and leading the evaluation of the project’s data, CNM has helped DHSC uncover the story of the project’s impact and identify opportunities for improvement. In addition to our reporting on the project’s outcomes, CNM’s staff has produced promotional materials customized for each hospital and organization to share with stakeholders and supporters, illustrating the community impact of their work.

Services Provided

• Program Design & Implementation
• Research & Evaluation
• Connection and Collaboration

The Results

• DHSC has actionable, in-depth data on the CTMHR project supporting six hospitals, 11 community-based organizations, and nearly 7,500 community members.
• CNM continues to support DHSC’s evaluation of the project, now in its third year.
• The CTMHR data provides a valuable insight into the benefits that mental health awareness training programs bring to communities facing high rates of trauma.