I hope this note finds you well. Daylight Savings Time kicks in this weekend, so I hope you’re prepared to “spring forward.” We are springing into action on many fronts at BCHD. |
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Should I still wear a mask? |
By Dr. William Kim, Chief Medical Advisor
Beach Cities Health District
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) updated their guidance for people wearing face masks as a prevention measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of masks being “required,” they are now “strongly recommended.” The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health followed suit, lifting their indoor mask requirement after the County achieved the “Low Community Risk” level.
Many people are happy they are no longer required to wear masks and, for the first time in a long time, can see people’s smiling faces again. But this brings up a good question: “Should I continue to wear a mask in public?”
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BCHD teams with allcove to develop
Youth Wellness Center in Redondo Beach
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Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is partnering with allcove, a program developing an innovative network of integrated youth mental health centers across the state of California. Funded by the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, the $2 million, 4-year grant will establish “allcove Beach Cities,” a youth wellness center initially opening at 514 N. Prospect Ave. in Redondo Beach, offering mental and physical health resources, education and employment counseling, peer and family support, and substance use prevention programs. BCHD was endorsed by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to apply for the funds.
allcove Beach Cities will be one of several new allcove locations throughout the state. The first two allcove centers opened in June 2021 in Palo Alto and San Jose, California.
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Apply for the allcove Beach Cities Youth Advisory Group
The Youth Advisory Group ensures that youth voices are at the forefront of decision-making to bring the new allcove Beach Cities youth wellness center to our community.
We are looking for young people who are between 16 and 25 years old, who are passionate about mental health and want to help shape the development of new and innovative mental health services. Applications are due by March 26 at 5 p.m.
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BCHD Annual Report FY 20-21
Our latest annual report is here! Learn about our COVID-19 successes, FY 21-22 priority based budgeting, community health programs, 2021 awards and more!
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The Latest on Masking in Los Angeles County
Given that the County is now at the Low Community Risk Level, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has modified the Health Officer Order to update the County’s masking guidance.
- Under the modified order, indoor masking is now strongly recommended, but not required, for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in public settings and businesses, except in high-risk settings where federal or state regulations continue to require masking.
- Masks will be required while indoors at all schools until March 12 when masking indoors for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students, staff, teachers and visitors is strongly recommended.
- The settings where masking continues to be required also include public transit, transportation hubs, all health care settings (including long term care and adult and senior care facilities), correctional and detention facilities, homeless shelters, heating and cooling centers and emergency shelters.
- At all sites where masking indoors is no longer mandatory, employers will be required to offer, for voluntary use, medical grade masks and respirators to employees working indoors in close contact with other workers, customers and/or members of the public.
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Apply for a Non-Profit Agency Grant
BCHD is accepting applications for our non-profit agency grants. Non-profits that provide physical health and/or mental health programs are welcome to apply! Applications are due by noon on March 11.
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Apply for a BCHD Advisory Committee
BCHD Board of Directors is seeking qualified residents of the cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach to serve on its advisory committees. Committee members have a direct impact on the health and wellness programs and services BCHD provides to the community. Applications are due by noon on Monday, May 2.
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Celebrate a World of Flavors:
Latin American Cuisine
March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to educate on food choices, healthy eating and physical activity. This year’s theme is “Celebrate a World of Flavors,” a chance to learn more about your own food culture and those around you. Learn how to eat a well-balanced meal with lots of flavors!
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The Importance of Sleep Health
Sleep is a basic requirement for human development, health and well-being, just like nutrition and physical activity. After all, on average, we spend a third of our life sleeping! Learn the recommended hours of sleep per day and tips for better sleep here.
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BCHD’s Healthy Living Campus Open House Regarding its Conditional Use Permit
Attend the Open House to:
- Preview Beach Cities Health District’s Conditional Use Permit (CUP) pre-application that will be submitted to the City of Redondo Beach regarding its Healthy Living Campus master plan.
- View conceptual renderings for the selected Healthy Living Campus master plan.
- Provide comments and ask questions directly to project team members.
Saturday, March 12
Drop in between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
BCHD Campus (held outside)
514 N. Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach
(Walk-ins welcome)
BCHD is working with the City of Redondo Beach on a CUP for its Healthy Living Campus master plan. BCHD filed the CUP pre-application with the City of Redondo Beach on Thursday, February 24, 2022. The CUP pre-application included:
What is a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?
Conditional use permits (CUPs) are uses permitted on a permanent basis within a district as long as the governing body’s conditions are met. Permitted conditional use permits are expressly listed for each district in the zoning ordinance.
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Healthy Living Campus Master Plan
Conceptual Open Space Rendering
View a conceptual video rendering of what the Healthy Living Campus master plan open space could look like.
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Virtual Social Hour with BCHD Care Manager Charlotte Barnett
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.
First & Third Tuesday of the Month
(March 15)
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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Pathways to Care: A Conversation on Dementia Behaviors
By participating in this interactive workshop,
attendees will take an essential step toward
understanding and managing behaviors associated with dementia. Our expert panel of presenters will provide you with practical tools you can use in various settings to create a safe, comfortable environment for both the person with dementia and their caregivers.
Featuring:
- David Hart, Ph.D.
- Monica R. Moore, MSG
- Yael Wyte, MSW
Wednesday, March 23
6 p.m.
Joslyn Community Center
1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach
To register or for more information, call (310) 374-3426, Option 1.
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Virtual BCHD Board Meeting
BCHD holds public board meetings at 6:30 p.m. every month (except Aug. and Dec.). Details about the meeting and agenda can be found online.
Wednesday, March 23
6:30 p.m.
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Center for Health & Fitness Free Virtual Mindfulness Meditation
Thursday, March 24
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.
First Wednesday of the Month
(April 6)
4 – 4:30 p.m.
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Virtual Happiness Chats
This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes – anything that supports our happiness!
Second Tuesday of the Month
(April 12)
12:30 – 1 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.
Tuesdays
10 – 10:50 a.m.
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