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..
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
After a year of loss and isolation from living through the COVID-19 pandemic, taking care of our mental health is more important than ever before. Many Beach Cities residents are emerging from the pandemic with feelings of loss, isolation, depression and anger.
As our community recovers and reopens, the lifting of restrictions is both exciting and overwhelming. Returning to our beloved social activities brings relief and anxiety as we continue to navigate changing health guidance and learn to feel safe in the world again.
Invest in your mental health by participating in Mental Health Awareness month activities.
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Three Ways to Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month:
- Complete the Virtual Mental Health & Happiness Series
- Do an act of kindness each day with the Kindness Calendar
- Attend a virtual event to support your mental health
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COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments
Available at AdventurePlex
Saturday, May 1
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
AdventurePlex
1701 Marine Avenue, Manhattan Beach
Eligibility: Anyone living or working in L.A. County age 16 and older
Vaccine: The Pfizer vaccine will be administered
For Teens ages 16 and 17:
- Pfizer is the ONLY authorized vaccine for this age group
- Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can provide consent for vaccination
Appointments are Required: Sign up for an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov
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COVID-19 Vaccinations & Testing at BCHD Campus 514 N. Prospect Ave. |
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VACCINE
South Bay Family Health Care, in partnership with Beach Cities Health District, is administering the Moderna vaccine to the public.
Eligibility: Anyone living or working in L.A. County age 18 and older
Vaccine: The Moderna vaccine will be administered
When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: BCHD, 514 N. Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach
For Teens ages 16 and 17:
- The Moderna vaccine is NOT authorized for this age group
Appointments are Required: Sign up for an appointment by calling South Bay Family Health Care at 310-802-6170
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TESTING
Los Angeles County testing sites, including the BCHD site, currently use nasal swab tests. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns healthcare providers and patients that the test made by Curative, an oral swab test, carries a risk of false results, particularly false negative results. The BCHD testing site does not use the oral swab.
Tests are free of charge and are by appointment only.
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.
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Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine to Resume
On April 23, following a thorough safety review, including two meetings of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the FDA and CDC have determined that the recommended pause regarding the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume. Based on their review of all available data, both the CDC and the FDA determined that the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19.
Vaccine providers in Los Angeles County with doses of the Janssen vaccine can resume administration of the vaccine, provided they distribute the updated Janssen fact sheets to any recipients of the vaccine.
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New Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People from the CDC
Fully Vaccinated People Can:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
- Visit with unvaccinated people (including children) from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
- Participate in outdoor activities and recreation without a mask, except in certain crowded settings and venues.
- Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.
- Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States.
- Refrain from testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic, with some exceptions for specific settings.
- Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic.
- Refrain from routine screening testing if asymptomatic and feasible.
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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will be adjusting the Health Officer Order shortly to align with the recommendations from the CDC on when and where people need to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Click on the image to view.
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Los Angeles County Begins to Meet Yellow Tier Thresholds
As of yesterday, April 27:
- The County's adjusted case rate dropped from 2.7 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.9 new cases per 100,000.
- The overall test positivity rate dropped from 1.2% to 0.9%.
- In areas with the fewest health affirming resources, the County’s test positivity rate dropped from 1.4% to 1.0%.
Los Angeles County has begun to meet the qualifications for the least restrictive yellow tier in the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework. If the County maintains current levels or declines in the case rate and test positivity rate for an additional week, it is possible for the County to move to the yellow tier as early as May 5.
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The Center for Health & Fitness is now open for:
- Indoor Workout Equipment Reservations
- Outdoor Group Exercise Classes (Beginning May 1)
- 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 one of BCHD's Committees
Applicants must be a resident of Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach. Deadline to apply is noon on Monday, May 3. Learn more.
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Apply for BCHD's Grants
BCHD is accepting applications for its non-profit agency grants and Micro Enrichment grants to enhance its ability to provide preventive health services in the community. Learn more.
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Did you know?
120 residents live on BCHD's 514 N. Prospect Ave. campus in Redondo Beach at Silverado's Beach Cities Memory Care Community.
BCHD leases out medical space to help support free health programs and services in 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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Virtual BCHD Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, April 28
6:30 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.
Practical Life Skills for Kids
Special guest Stella Reid from Nanny 911
Thursday, April 29
7:30 p.m.
Balancing Screen Time During a Pandemic
Special guest Dr. Hannah N. Kim, Pediatrician
Thursday, May 27
7:30 p.m.
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Virtual Blue Zones Project Nutrition Workshop
In collaboration with Cancer Support Community, Registered Dietitian Marissa Martorana will discuss how to eat well after cancer treatment, address common side effects and share tips to support proper nutrition and hydration.
Friday, April 30
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 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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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 4 and 18
11 a.m. – 12 p.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, May 5
4 – 4:30 p.m.
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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 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
Wednesday, May 19
12 – 1 p.m.
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Center for Health & Fitness FREE Virtual Workshops & National Senior Health & Fitness Week
Movement Disorders – Parkinson’s Disease
Tuesday, May 25, 10 – 10:55 a.m.
Update on Multiple Sclerosis
Wednesday, May 26, 10 – 10:55 a.m.
Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening and Modifiable Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Thursday, May 27, 1 – 1:55 p.m.
“No, This is *not* Normal in Menopause” – Dispelling Myths About ‘The Change’
Friday, May 28, 11 – 11:55 a.m.
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Los Angeles County Quick Links |
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Donate to the Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund
Donations will provide assistance to Beach Cities residents who are income-qualified with essentials like groceries, household and cleaning supplies, rent and utility bill assistance and durable medical equipment to help keep them safe at home.
Residents wishing to submit donations by check can mail those to Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund, 1200 Del Amo Street, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
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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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