Thanking COVID-19 Testing Site and Care Navigator Volunteers
We are very pleased to report that due to the lower numbers of cases and wider availability of testing, the Los Angeles County COVID-19 Testing Site operated by Beach Cities Health District at 514 N. Prospect Ave. in Redondo Beach is closed as of June 13.
We will never forget how the community and beyond came together to help get to where we are today. It is only through the collective efforts of everyone involved in many different roles and much bravery and dedication. In this newsletter, we reflect and celebrate those volunteers who assisted us with the testing site operations.
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At BCHD, we know that volunteering is even more than being helpful to others—it’s good for one’s own health and can create a circle of gratitude. It has been wonderful hearing from volunteers about the gratification they’ve experienced through service this past year. Here are some statements about what volunteering in these roles has meant to the volunteers:
“It felt really good to do a tiny thing like make a phone call and reach out to people who were often just as confused and scared as me. I am happy that the program is able to shut down. That is what we've all been hoping for and working toward.” Jana Park
“It was great to return to the BCHD after ~30 years between South Bay Medical Reserve Corps (during the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic), catch up with old friends and meet new, while we support our patient base. Thanks to everyone as we traverse this latest Pandemic and future recovery.” Karen Galati, Pharm.D.
“Before I took on the role of COVID-19 Care Navigator, I was getting scared and very upset by what I was reading in the news and on social media. I was often angry and losing faith in many of my neighbors, family, and friends who I felt weren't taking proper COVID-19 precautions. At first, I was a bit hesitant to agree to make calls to COVID-19 positive people. I was worried I might get emotional and cry while talking with them or get upset if they were knowingly continuing to expose others. Thankfully, my experience has been very positive. I've been impressed by how many people answered my call or called back once they got my message. Most people I called were taking their diagnosis very seriously and were taking precautions to protect others. Several people asked me questions like, "But how can I be certain that I'm no longer contagious to others?" And "How do I donate convalescent plasma so that I can help others?" Most people I called were so kind to me and thankful to have someone checking in on them. People thanked me as I thanked them and offered me well wishes and blessings.
The calls weren't always easy. I talked to several people with family members currently in the hospital and one woman I called answered her phone from the hospital while receiving treatment for Covid-19. But making these calls helped turn my mental health around, gave me hope and much more personal peace. I feel like making these calls warmed and healed my heart. People really seemed to care about their community. I'm so grateful to BCHD for this experience. Jacqueline and now Nicole always promptly answer my questions and make me feel supported. When I emailed Nicole that I was still worried about someone I had called, she made sure to follow-up and check on her for me the next day. I was able to relax knowing she was cared for.” Julie C Henderson
“I met several BCHD employees from Adventure Plex while volunteering at the testing site. I was impressed by how well they worked together to make working at the site pleasant and efficient.” – Howard Darvey
"I'm happy to do my little part to help people get tested (and vaccinated) so we can get through this pandemic as soon as possible! I enjoy getting people checked in and out quickly and efficiently." -Brad Angle
“When the pandemic shut everything down, I felt the need to get out to meet people and be more involved in helping others. I really enjoy working with everyone on the team and knowing that I am doing something constructive during these difficult times; it’s so important for us all to maintain a positive state of mind and volunteering for BCHD has been a great way to do that.” John Brayton (Spotlight October 2020)
Thank you again to ALL of the volunteers who helped us with this successful operation!!!
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If you’re interested in volunteering (getting back to it or taking the next step to volunteer) with BCHD, we have COVID-19 safety protocols in place for every role. See below for what’s currently available and please stay tuned to our newsletters and website as new opportunities arise!
Errand Volunteer
Errand Volunteers are matched with one of our Community Services Care Management clients and do weekly shopping for basic needs like groceries and prescriptions. Could this be right for you? Take a look at a brief overview of the role here. Weekly commitment of 1-1.5 hours on a regular basis.
Center for Health & Fitness (CHF) Front Desk Volunteer
CHF is looking for volunteer support with screening members at its check-in table downstairs, ensuring members have read and signed the new COVID-19 Code of Conduct, reviewing verbal screening questions with members, taking and recording temperature on a log sheet, assisting with cleaning equipment between reservations, and greeting members and directing them for proper gym entry and exit. Weekly commitment of 3 hours a week on a regular basis.
Administrative Office Front Desk Volunteer
We are opening our administrative office on Del Amo starting June 15 and our admin department is looking for volunteer help including telephone coverage; front desk screening of staff and visitors; periodic disinfection of shared spaces; mail and package distribution; badge making; supplies inventory; assembling marketing packets; assisting with Help Desk Ticket tasks and projects. Weekly 4-hour shift commitment on a regular basis is required.
If any of these roles sounds like a fit for you, please fill out our Volunteer Application at www.bchd.org/volunteer if you have not already done so, or email us at [email protected] if you’ve volunteered with us before.
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(This photo is a Throwback of one of our first Virtual Volunteer Socials back in May 2020)
Final Volunteer Social Hour... For Now!
What a crazy year and a half it has been! As things are going back to pre-pandemic life, we will be hosting one final virtual volunteer social on Thursday, June 17 at 1 p.m. and would like to invite and encourage you all to attend.
We will start off with a “show and tell” so “bring” an item that was meaningful to you this past year and a half and share a little about it. Feel free to also share what you are most excited for as things go back to pre-pandemic life.
We will then spend the rest of our time playing a game of charades so bring your acting skills!
Everyone is welcome and no RSVP is needed. See below:
When: Thursday, June 17 at 1pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 973 0302 5385
Passcode: 576038
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,97303025385# US (San Jose)
+13462487799,,97303025385# US (Houston)
BONUS: Anyone who attends will be eligible to win some BCHD swag.
We truly loved hosting these socials and getting to know our volunteers on a more personal level. You are all so fun and full of amazing stories! Thank you to all for joining us in these virtual events and helping us stay connected. Although we are concluding our monthly virtual socials, we want to continue bringing volunteers together socially. So, stay tuned for this! 😊
Interested in leading a social or activity-based gathering for volunteers (virtual or in person)? Email us at [email protected] with your ideas!
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Beach Cities Health District continues to publish a regular newsletter, website updates and social media posts to inform the community of the latest information regarding COVID-19 health guidance, testing, vaccines, closures and recovery. Be a health leader in the community by staying informed and staying safe.
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2021 Volunteer Hours
While volunteer support has changed with our continued adaptations due to COVID-19, we are so grateful for the commitment of our community to help others, both through the pandemic and through volunteer support in other ways as well. Thank you! BCHD volunteers continue doing remarkable things in 2021 and below is a capture of time reported. The numbers also represent the COVID-19 tests and vaccines administered, groceries and prescriptions picked up, calls made, committees met, administrative support, intern projects, gardens kept, and more.
January: 1,141
February: 1,258
March: 3,069
April: 2,906
May: 2,176
Total: 10,550
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Volunteer Anniversaries
Although many of you still are not back to actively volunteering in your usual roles right now, we are endlessly grateful for your commitment. The many collective years of efforts toward a healthy beach community from our volunteer corps is truly incredible.
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June
Dianne Scott, 17
Lucy Bayliss, 14
Douglas Koth, 14
Melba Tovar, 13
Stuart Joseph, 10
Joy Jurena, 9
Arnette Travis, 7
Mardie Heller, 6
Cathy Mendoza, 6
Isabel Ayson, 5
KC Christensen, 5
Steve Gerhardt, 5
Francoise Schmutz, 5
Victoria Ivons, 4
Sheri Benator, 3
Edwina Klein, 3
Michele Alfano, 2
MaryAnn Bailey, 2
Morgan Bulen, 2
Valerie Morales, 2
Jeffrey Rowe, 2
*Official years of service in BCHD system.
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Just for Fun Puzzle Time!
Enjoy some down time solving this super fun Word Search by finding all of the words hidden in the puzzle. The words may be placed diagonally, horizontally, vertically, or backwards.
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Center for Health & Fitness FREE Virtual Workshops
Tuesday, June 15
Wellness Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis
10-10:55 a.m.
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Virtual Mindfulness Drop-In
Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques. The guided session will be led by a trained Beach Cities Health District instructor, Carrie Kerster.
Wednesday, July 7
4 – 4:30 p.m.
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Virtual Happiness Chats
Support your well-being with casual discussions focused on connection and resilience. Attend one or all chats!
Tuesdays
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
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