Navigating Your Feelings About Reopening
By Kerianne Lawson, Chief Programs Officer, Beach Cities Health District
After living with COVID-19 for more than a year, Los Angeles County is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. More than 8 million vaccine doses have been administered in the County and we continue to move forward through the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. With more sectors and businesses reopening, people are heading back into the office and students are going back to school in-person.
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Los Angeles County to Offer Vaccinations to 12 to 15-Year-Olds Starting May 13
On May 12, the CDC affirmed the recommendation by the FDA to expand the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents 12 to 15 years old. Starting May 13, Los Angeles County vaccination providers may begin offering the Pfizer vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds at vaccination sites that offer the Pfizer vaccine.
The information below applies to minors being vaccinated at a site run by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:
- For all minors age 12-17: a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian is required for both visits.
- 16 and 17-year-olds should be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian if possible.
- 12-15 year-olds must be accompanied by their parent, legal guardian or a responsible adult. If the child is accompanied by a responsible adult, the consent form must name the responsible person and be signed by the parent or legal guardian. The responsible person must bring their photo ID.
- Note: If the minor is being vaccinated at school, consent is required; however, the school’s guidance should be followed on whether a parent/legal guardian or named adult needs to be present.
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Public Health consent form: English | Español
- Consent forms are available at the vaccination site, or can be printed for free in LA County libraries.
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BCHD Vaccinating Beach Cities Students Ages 12-18
BCHD continues to partner with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and school partners in the South Bay Consortium for School Vaccines to vaccinate the school community. Hermosa Beach City School District, Manhattan Beach Unified School District and Redondo Beach Unified School District are communicating with their families to coordinate vaccination at BCHD closed clinics for students ages 12-18.
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Remember to Get Your 2nd Dose
How is the vaccine administered? When do I get my second dose?
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Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines require two doses. The Pfizer-BioNTech doses are given three weeks (21 days) apart and the Moderna four weeks (28 days) apart. You must receive the same vaccine for both doses. Your second dose should be administered as close to the recommended 21-day or 28-day interval as possible. However, if it is not feasible to adhere to the recommended interval, the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may be scheduled for administration up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose. Second doses administered within a grace period of 4 days earlier than the recommended date for the second dose are also considered valid. Source: CDC
- The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine requires a single dose.
What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?
You are considered fully vaccinated when:
- Two weeks or more have passed since you received your second dose in a 2-dose vaccine series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna); or
- Two weeks or more have passed since you received your dose of a single-dose vaccine (Johnson& Johnson/Janssen)
It is important to get your 2nd dose to be fully protected against COVID-19.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Collectively as a community, our mental health has suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Know that you are not alone. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we encourage you to be kind to yourself and be kind to one another. Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) will provide mental health programs, tips and resources to let you prioritize and support your mental health as we continue to live through and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three Ways to Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month:
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Virtual Blue Zones Project Cooking Show
Be kind to your mind. Support your mental health with brain healthy recipes. In collaboration with Dr. Ayesha Sherzai and the Healthy Minds Initiative.
Friday, May 14
1 – 2 p.m.
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Virtual Social Hour with BCHD Care Manager, Charlotte Barnett
With many senior centers closed and many older adults unable to socialize, we want to provide a space for people to talk, ask questions and share their experience during COVID-19. Join us if you want to learn more about community resources or BCHD, or if you just want to connect! Open to all.
Tuesdays, May 18
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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Virtual Safe in the South Bay Series: COVID-19's Mental Health Impact on Youth, Adults and Older Adults
In partnership with Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce and Beach Cities Health District
Panelists include:
- Howard Barker, Community Liaison, Clear Recovery Center
- David Hart, Ph.D., Director of Community Health, Always Best Care South Bay/West Los Angeles
- Ioana Pal, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist, Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach
- Edna Osepans, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker, UCLA Health
Wednesday, May 19
12 – 1:15 p.m.
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Virtual Healthy Minds Initiative Discussion
Join BCHD in partnership with Kensington Redondo Beach and Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai for a discussion on how to improve your brain health and prevent dementia
Thursday, May 20
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
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Virtual Mindfulness Classes for Older Adults
Meditation classes in partnership with the city of Redondo Beach:
Monday, May 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tai Chi classes in partnership with the city of Manhattan Beach:
Wednesdays, 2 p.m.
To register for Tai Chi and to learn about additional mindfulness classes, call the Joslyn Community Center at (310) 802-5420.
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Virtual BCHD Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, May 26
6:30 p.m.
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Virtual Families Connected Speaker Series: "The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind" presented by Dr. Dan Siegel
Presented in partnership with South Bay Families Connected
In this seminar, an exciting approach to raising children will be explored through engaging discussions, case examples and experiential immersions. By offering a definition of an important aspect of the mind and a core mechanism of mental health, the whole-brain child approach offers care providers the cutting edge art and science of child development.
Thursday, May 27
12 – 1 p.m.
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Virtual Parents’ Guide to Raising Healthy, Happy and Resilient Children
Presented in partnership with South Bay Mommies and Daddies, this five-part video series is designed for parents of children ages 0-6. Hosted by Laura Nickerson.
Balancing Screen Time During a Pandemic
Special guest Dr. Hannah N. Kim, Pediatrician
Thursday, May 27
7:30 p.m.
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Center for Health & Fitness FREE Virtual Workshops & National Senior Health & Fitness Week
Tuesday May 25
Movement Disorders – Parkinson’s Disease
10 – 10:55 a.m.
Balance 101 with Chris Bentajado, Center for Health & Fitness Medical Exercise Specialist
11 - 11:55 a.m.
Wednesday, May 26
Update on Multiple Sclerosis
10 – 10:55 a.m.
Thursday, May 27
Brain-Based Exercise: Recommendations & Exercise Rx with Chris Bentajado, Center for Health & Fitness Medical Exercise Specialist
10 - 10:55 a.m.
Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening and Modifiable Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
1 – 1:55 p.m.
Laughter Yoga with Monica Victorino, Center for Health & Fitness Group Exercise Fitness Instructor
5 - 5:55 p.m.
Friday, May 28
“No, This is *not* Normal in Menopause” – Dispelling Myths About ‘The Change’
11 – 11:55 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, June 2
4 – 4:30 p.m.
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Virtual Families Connected Parent Chat
A free parent support group led by a licensed professional from the Thelma McMillen Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment at Torrance Memorial Medical Center held in partnership with South Bay Families Connected. Open to all parents.
Mondays
(Except May 31)
10 – 11 a.m.
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Virtual Happiness Chat
This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes – anything that supports our happiness!
Tuesdays
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
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COVID-19 Testing at BCHD Campus 514 N. Prospect Ave.
Residents should get tested if they have symptoms or were exposed to someone who was positive and isolate immediately from their family and others if they have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. If you recently traveled and were in crowds while traveling, exposed to unmasked individuals in close proximity, or attended gatherings, you should get tested. Tests are free of charge and are by appointment only.
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Need Help?
If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs help with Covered California or health-related information and referrals, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit us online at bchd.org/resources.
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The Center for Health & Fitness is now open for:
- Indoor Workout Equipment Reservations
- Outdoor Group Exercise Classes
- Personal Training
- Small Group Training
- Massage
- Private Pilates
- Virtual Classes
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AdventurePlex is reopening for summer camp beginning June 21. At this time, summer camp is the only program AdventurePlex will be offering, with daily and weekly camps June 21 through August 20.
Please provide your feedback for the future reopening of all our programs in our reopening survey.
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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. Learn more.
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Apply for BCHD's Grants
BCHD is accepting applications for its Micro Enrichment grants to enhance its ability to provide preventive health services in the community. Learn more.
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Did you know?
For every $1 received in property taxes,
BCHD provides $3.45 in programs and
services back to the community.
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Healthy Living Campus
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Healthy Living Campus on Beach Cities Health District's property at 514 N. Prospect Ave. is now available. BCHD has extended the requisite 45-day public review and comment period to 90 days, extending from March 10 through June 10, 2021.
Official public comments about the technical sufficiency of the Draft EIR impact analysis, mitigation measures, and alternatives will be accepted until June 10, 2021 at 5 p.m. PT.
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How to Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report
90-Day Public Review and Comment Period: March 10 - June 10, 2021
There are a variety of ways to submit written or oral public comments.
Mail: Nick Meisinger re: Healthy Living Campus
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
9177 Sky Park Ct.
San Diego, CA 92123
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