BCHD has had volunteers assisting us with running errands for seniors so they can stay safe at home, as well as working at our COVID-19 test site at the 514 Prospect Campus. Now, we are currently submitting a proposal to LA County to serve as a vaccination site and are looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping with this.
If you are are a current BCHD volunteer who is interested in helping vaccinate our community against COVID-19. Please complete the interest form here. Those volunteering with us for COVID-19 operations may be eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine as a healthcare worker.
If you know anyone interested who is not a current BCHD volunteer, you can invite them to apply at bchd.org/volunteer
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Los Angeles County to Open COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments for 65+
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis signed an executive order on Monday, January 18, making COVID-19 vaccine appointments available to residents aged 65 and older. Adults 65+ can visit the county's website to make an appointment.
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Please be patient if there are no available appointments when you first visit the county's website. Appointments are continually being added and more vaccination sites are scheduled to open in the coming weeks.
If you do not have internet access to sign up for an appointment, you may call the county's call center at 833-540-0473.
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VolunCheer Challenge
Thank You for Participating in the VolunCheer Challenge!
A big round of applause to all the volunteers who participated in the VolunCheer Challenge. We appreciate your enthusiastic responses to the activities we proposed and are glad to hear that they encouraged some healthy habits in your lives:
“As this program finishes and the year comes to a close I would like to share that this was a great activity for me. Each week I would review the reminders and schedule healthy activities into my week. Thanks for this opportunity. Happy New Year to all.” - Teri
“I liked connecting with volunteers that are not in my usual group, but I probably have seen at BCHD - in and around the gym. Hopefully, when we resume our activities, I will have made some new acquaintances. I looked forward to the Happiness Chats and enjoyed them.” - Ellen
“I liked the VolunCheer Challenge because it kept me connected to the BCHD volunteer community in a fun way and offered a lot of good suggestions for making good use of stay-at-(home) time.” - Kim
Congratulations to our 18 VolunCheer Challenge Champions who placed for prizes!
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Holiday Gift Bag Project Successes |
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Since 1998, friendly volunteers have delivered holiday gift bags filled with practical and fun gifts to 250 beach cities seniors, many of whom are homebound or live in isolation. We are sorry we weren’t able to invite a larger pool of volunteers to participate this year due to COVID-19. We are very grateful for the dedication and safe practices of those who delivered the gift bags this year.
- This year all recipients were provided with emergency kits with three days worth of essential supplies, a BCHD face covering, hand sanitizer, stamps and some cheerful extras.
- $3,360 of grocery gift cards were purchased and provided to our lower-income seniors.
- $7,662.83 was raised including: California Water Service again partnered and made the top contribution of $3,000; the City of Hermosa Beach donated funds to cover all Hermosa Beach recipients; nine organizations and nine individuals/families donated more than $100.00 each; MinuteMan Press and South Bay Home Health donated calendars.
- 42 community members - following COVID-19 safety requirements - delivered bags, including six BCHD Care Managers, BCHD Errand and Meal Delivery volunteers, Redondo Beach Police and Fire, and the Manhattan Beach Fire Department. All observed BCHD's COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Meal Delivery volunteers and BCHD staff assembled the gift bags following COVID-19 safety requirements.
- Holiday cards were decorated and provided to all recipients due to the generosity and care of individuals and families, youth service groups and the National Charity League.
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Join the Virtual Volunteer Social!
“I’m really enjoying the BCHD Volunteer Social Hour on Zoom each month. Although I was not a Zoom fan, I’m getting used to it and really having fun and getting to better know the other volunteers!” - Kim Neglia, Conversation Companion
Save the Date for our February Social on February 10 from 1-2 p.m.
There is room for EVERYONE and NO RSVP is needed!
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Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) continues to publish a regular newsletter, website updates and social media posts to inform the community of the latest news regarding COVID-19 health guidance, testing, closures, and recovery. Be a health leader in the community by staying informed and staying safe.
Featured Opportunity: COVID-19 Care Navigator (Remote)
BCHD oversees a COVID-19 test site for LA County and COVID-19 Care Navigators assist with these operations by calling individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 to check for priority symptoms that would require medical attention, explain isolation protocols and provide support, resources and referrals. A weekly commitment of two 2-hour shifts - any day of the week - is required. Priority is given to those with a medical background or health literacy and who can commit to 2+ shifts per week. Computer and headset needed to make calls. Due to the surge in cases, we are seeking an additional ten or more volunteers for this role.
Featured Opportunity: Errand Runner Volunteers
Community members who are isolated at home are submitting requests to BCHD for assistance with errands. Errand Runner Volunteers help the community by receiving requests from BCHD, and shopping for and delivering items to these individuals in need. Volunteers commit to weekly shifts. Currently, our greatest need is from 1- 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays, but mornings and other days of the week are also needed.
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While many BCHD volunteer roles continue to be on hold for safety reasons, some committees are meeting virtually and others are providing support to isolated and vulnerable residents running errands for essential supplies and delivering meals. We also have volunteers making check-in calls to BCHD clients, which increases connection and reduces social isolation from a distance. There are volunteers operating computers and calling people who tested positive for COVID-19 at the Redondo Beach test site, as well as volunteers and interns assisting with special projects. |
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While volunteers had to halt in-person visits with clients since the beginning of the pandemic, Brain Buddies, Conversation Companions, Errand Volunteers and MoveWell Volunteers pivoted in the ways they interacted with and supported clients and others seeking assistance during 2020. In addition, we welcomed volunteers to assist with Meal Delivery and general Errand Running. All in all, volunteers reported 2,427 instances of supportive outreach in 2020 (99 pre-pandemic in-person visits, 466 errands run, 459 meal deliveries made, 1,409 check in calls). How incredible! Many thanks to these dedicated volunteers! You’ve most certainly made a difference!
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Volunteer Hours
While volunteer support has changed with our continued adaptations due to COVID-19, the hours reported below are remarkable and don’t even fully capture the support people have given to the community. Thank you!
January: 3,015
February: 2,503
March: 1,196
April: 412
May: 334
June: 1,474
July: 783
August: 1,008
September: 886
October: 1,197
November: 1,175
December: 1,347
2020 Total: 15,330
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Volunteer Anniversaries
Although many of you aren’t 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 volunteers is truly incredible.
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December
Maud Tilk, 28
Elaine Vandermay, 12
Patti Mahoney, 10
Kathy Herbers, 9
Colleen Otash, 9
January Blandford, 8
Howard Darvey, 8
Barbara Fier, 7
Lisa Meenan, 7
Jim Parkman, 5
Megan Bowers, 4
Julie Czinger Henderson, 4
Nicole Smith, 2
Ruby Sojka, 2
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January
Carol Johnson, 20
Marilyn Rafkin, 9
Sue Chehade, 8
Dennis Heck, 7
Melinda Palmer, 7
Dorothea Rosen, 7
Laura Petros, 5
Joan Stolba, 2
Sarah Mangano, 1
Marina Mccluskey, 1
Mindy (Melinda J) Morin, 1
Karen Yost-Heck, 1
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* Official years of service in BCHD system. |
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Just for Fun Puzzle Time!
Enjoy some down time solving this super fun crossword puzzle using the clues below.
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October Crossword Answer Key |
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Join the Healthy Minds Initiative
BCHD, in partnership with Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, is running a study on how proper diet and lifestyle can prevent brain disease. The study has transitioned to a virtual environment in response to COVID-19.
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Virtual Safe in the South Bay Series: LiveWell During COVID-19
COVID-19 Vaccine 101
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Join an esteemed panel of experts to learn up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccines and the ways residents, organizations, businesses, schools and the Beach Cities community can support COVID-19 recovery.
Thursday, February 4, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
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Center for Health & Fitness Virtual Open House
Join BCHD's Center for Health & Fitness for a virtual open house and FREE online live classes.
January 25 – 29
*Classes are offered at various times
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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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Virtual BCHD Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, January 27
6:30 p.m.
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Virtual Blue Zones Project Nutrition Workshop
Attend the next Virtual Blue Zones Project® Nutrition Workshop to learn how to incorporate nutrient-rich foods into your diet. For those who cannot attend, recipes and the recorded workshop are posted.
Thursday, January 28
4 – 5 p.m.
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Virtual Mindfulness Drop-in
Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques the first Wednesday of each month.
Wednesday, February 3
4 – 4:30 p.m.
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Virtual Social Hour
Join Blue Zones Project for a virtual “Social Hour.” Enjoy good company and practice some of the Power 9 Principles of Longevity, including Down Shift and Right Tribe. Relax, bring your healthy bites and connect with your community!
Tuesday, February 9
4 p.m.
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Eating for a Healthy Heart Nutrition Workshop
Enjoy a free workshop on how to eat for better heart health in celebration of February being American Heart Month.
Thursday, February 11
11 – 11:55 a.m.
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