Major Investment Will Dramatically Expand Inpatient Mental Health Services for Seniors in Need (LOS ANGELES, CA – May 15, 2025) — As one of California’s leading providers of coordinated senior health services, Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJHealth) is proud to announce it has been awarded $28 million by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) as part of Proposition 1’s Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 1: Launch Ready initiative. The funding, announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, is part of an historic $3.3 billion investment in behavioral health infrastructure, supporting 124 projects statewide.At LAJHealth, this funding will support the expansion of inpatient behavioral health services for seniors, a critical step in addressing California’s growing senior behavioral health crisis. This expansion comes at a time of intensifying need. California’s senior population is projected to double by 2040, and with it, the number of older adults experiencing behavioral health challenges—particularly those who are low-income, medically complex, or socially isolated—is rising sharply.“California is facing a senior behavioral health crisis,” said Dale Surowitz, President and CEO of Los Angeles Jewish Health. “This transformative investment allows us to act urgently and proactively by expanding access to high-quality, compassionate inpatient care for seniors in acute psychiatric distress. We are deeply grateful to Governor Newsom and DHCS for recognizing the urgency of this need and investing in a more sustainable, responsive future for our aging population.”Governor Newsom underscored the importance of Proposition 1 in his remarks announcing the awards:“Californians demanded swift action to address our state’s behavioral health crisis when they voted for Prop 1 in March 2024. Today, we’re delivering our biggest win yet. Whether it’s crisis stabilization, inpatient services, or long-term treatment, we’re ensuring that individuals can access the right care at the right time.”This funding is part of California’s broader strategy to modernize the behavioral health system—increasing transparency, expanding access, and building the infrastructure necessary to provide a full continuum of care for individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorders.Through Proposition 1 and BHCIP, the state aims to create more than 6,800 new residential treatment beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots, addressing urgent gaps in care across every region of California.

Dale Surowitz is honored for his commitment to improving San Fernando Valley life(RESEDA, CA – April X, 2025)  Los Angeles Jewish Health CEO and President Dale Surowitz was recognized with the Valley Economic Alliance’s Humanitarian Award at its 30th Anniversary Valley of the Stars Awards Gala on April 17th. The event, which took place at the Hilton Los Angeles in Universal City, celebrated Surowitz’s work on behalf of some of the most vulnerable members of the community.In the company of family, friends, Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) colleagues, and other Valley Economic Alliance honorees at the event, Surowitz acknowledged the role his LAJH coworkers have played in his success. “This Humanitarian Award is not just a personal award—it belongs to the entire LAJH family,” he said. “It reflects the unwavering dedication of our staff and volunteers, who bring our mission of compassionate care to life every day.”Surowitz joined LAJH in 2020, bringing over three decades of experience leading hospitals and healthcare organizations in the San Fernando Valley. His career has been driven by a focus on improving quality of life for a broad range of Valley residents.“I believe we have an ethical and social responsibility to take care of those who don’t have the ability to care for themselves,” he said. “At Los Angeles Jewish Health, we work together to uplift our community’s seniors and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve.”Sonya Blake, the Valley Economic Alliance’s CEO and president, said Surowitz has had a profound impact on the San Fernando Valley.“We are proud to present the Humanitarian Award to Dale,” she said. “His unwavering commitment to leading an organization that provides exceptional care and support to our seniors is truly inspiring and strengthens the fabric of our community.”The Humanitarian Award adds to the long list of honors Surowitz has received throughout his career including the Fernando Award (the highest award for volunteerism and philanthropy in the San Fernando Valley), the Community Leadership Award from MAPS Charities and the Heart of Gold Award from the Child Development Institute. In addition, he is a member of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ Valley Advisory Board.Surowitz oversees the largest nonprofit, single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare in the greater Los Angeles area. From independent and assisted living to short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and a leading PACE adult day healthcare program, LAJH serves more than 4,000 seniors each year. 

Passover is a time for celebration around the world as Jews mark the liberation of their ancestors from Egyptian slavery. This year, across the campuses of LAJH, residents joined together with visitors, family, and staff enjoying delicious food, inspirational music, and the ritual retelling of the biblical Exodus.On the Grancell Village campus, residents of the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer (JEK) Medical Center and the Mark Taper Building gathered for the campus’ annual seder, generously sponsored by philanthropist Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer. Led by LAJH Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender, the seder featured  musicians Cindy Paley and David Kaminer, as well as a surprise appearance by “Moses” carrying a baby sheep residents could pet and cuddle.“The reputation of our seder is that it’s special and spectacular, and we’re incredibly grateful to Ms. Eisenberg-Keefer for making it possible every year,” says Ilana Springer, JEK’s CEO and administrator. “It’s so joyful and is a fantastic community-building experience. This year, we hosted at least 200 people!”Additionally, members of JEK’s Drama Club put on a production of the Passover story; residents ran auditions, acted in, and produced the play, which was a huge hit with all in attendance.The Eisenberg Village campus played host to four seders, two for residents of the Newman Building and two more for residents of LAJH’s Fountainview community. On hand to officiate were Rabbi Bender and Rabbi Barry Lutz.“At each event, residents sat together at communal tables decorated with beautiful linens and flower arrangements, and everyone received their own seder plate,” says Annette Weinberg, campus lifestyle and enrichment director for Eisenberg Village. “The seders were truly lovely, and our residents were excited to participate!”Coinciding with the holiday, all Eisenberg Village residents were invited to attend a dynamic Israeli dance performance as well as a traditional Moroccan Jewish celebration of Mimouna (meaning “faith”), a time when families traditionally open their homes to guests and serve an assortment of sweets as they wish each other “success” for the coming year.It was a busy holiday at LAJH—and a wonderful way to usher in a gorgeous spring season! Large crowds atttended Grancell Village's celebration, which included music by Cindy Paley and a visit from "Moses" holding a gentle lamb. Donor (and former board member) Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer and board member Nicholas Thacker were also in attendance, demonstrating their continued support Fountainview residents and guests enjoyed two meaningful Seders led by Rabbi Barry Lutz and Chief Mission Officer, Rabbi Karen Bender, as well as a traditional Moroccan Jewish celebration The Newman Building's Passover Seder offered an interactive experience of the Exodus through readings, songs, and food along with a traditional Israeli dance performance These plates from the Goldenberg-Ziman Special Care Center event showcase the dining staff’s ability to thoughtfully create individualized Seder plates, ensuring the participation and enjoyment of all those at LAJH At the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, residents showcased a heartfelt Passover performance. They wrote and directed the play themselves, bringing the timeless story of Passover to life with creativity, spirit, and meaning Grancell Village residents took part in the traditional biur chametz, the symbolic burning of leaven, before the Passover Seder Our diligent dietary team, joined by Chief Mission Officer, Rabbi Karen Bender, and overseen by a representative of our Mashgiach, Yehudah Bukspan, engaged in the process of kashering the areas dedicated to culinary endeavors for Passover. This procedure is designed to ensure all aspects of the kitchen are kosher for Passover, employing a thorough cleansing regimen that utilizes boiling water on every surface and utensil, as well as eliminating all leaven such as yeast and baking powder.