Your Life Matters, Part 22. Child abuse, mandatory reporting, and recovering from youth trauma
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, April 27th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
WALLOWA COUNTY — Welcome to Your Life Matters, a special project from the Elkhorn Media Group where we embark on a journey of compassion, understanding, and hope. In this space, we aim to shed light on a topic that often lingers in the shadows: suicide and mental health awareness. Here, we believe in the power of conversation to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create a supportive community for those who need it most.
Each month, we’ll share personal stories of resilience, expert insights, and practical strategies to navigate the complexities of mental health. Our goal is to foster empathy, dispel myths, offer resources, and provide a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling.
As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Garrett Christensen recently spoke with Ashley Immoos, lead family advocate and assistant executive director for Helping Hearts Child Advocacy Center in Wallowa County. This week they discuss the importance of mandatory reporting, the crucial need for safe spaces when talking to children about trauma, and what local organizations are doing to address youth mental health.
The full interview can be heard by clicking the audio link below:
More on helping hearts can be found at: https://helpingheartschildadvocacycenter.org/
Join us next month for another conversation with local experts. Our previous interview can be found at https://elkhornmediagroup.com/your-life-matters-part-21-the-988-lifeline-specialized-support-and-early-intervention/
Remember, You are not alone, reach out for help by calling the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Local resources also include New Directions Northwest in Baker County- 541-519-7126, and Center for Human Development in Union County – 541-962-8800, option 6.
