by Sue Murray, Volunteer Spotlight Writer

We all recognize volunteering as a wonderfully kind donation of a person’s time to a good cause. But one Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) volunteer, Gloria Rezek, feels that she gets as much out of it as she puts in.

Her devotion to volunteering began by supporting all kinds of school groups, including acting as the scout leader for both her son and daughter's scout troops. Though her charitable work doesn’t stop there! In her spare hours, Gloria knits and crochets baby blankets that she donates to new mothers living in a women’s shelter. Read More
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Similar to our successful Holiday Gift Bag program, we are inviting the community to donate to the Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund.

Donations will provide assistance to vulnerable groups (older adults and adults with underlying health conditions) who are income qualified, with essentials like groceries and household and cleaning supplies in the Beach Cities.
HOW YOU CAN HELP! Share BCHD’s assistance information on social media or in the community. (Feel free to copy and paste)
Repost from Beach Cities Health District: If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs assistance with errands, health-related information or referrals, please call the Beach Cities Health District line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256, seven days a week 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. You can also visit bchd.org/coronavirus for health tips and information.
In 2019, BCHD volunteers contributed more than 36,000 hours which made a big impact on the individual and collective level. We are looking forward to seeing what you all do in 2020. Thank you!
March Anniversaries
 
Thank you to these fabulous volunteers for their years of service! Thanks for the double digits of dedication Cheryl and Fred! We’re so fortunate to have volunteers who are so committed to making this a healthy beach community! 

Cheryl Tarango, 15
Fred Manna, 14
Donna Lombardi, 6
Cory O'Meara, 5
Barbara York, 4
Elle Oliver, 4
Julie Fairbanks, 3
Kathleen Terry, 3
Gladys Moreno, 2
Kitty Spencer, 2
Linda Keenan, 2
Max Kelber, 1

*Official years of service in BCHD system
2020 Volunteer Hours
 
January: 2,863
February: 2,398

Total So Far: 5,261


For those who do their timekeeping online, please remember to submit your hours each month so we can account for all the important, wonderful service you give to the community !  
You reached 100 hours of service!

Studies show that volunteering has health benefits starting at 40 hours per year and those who volunteer 100 hours per year derive the maximum health benefits such as higher rates of life satisfaction, social connections and longevity.

In 2019, 77 BCHD volunteers gave 100 or more hours of their time in service through BCHD volunteer programs. Each of these volunteers earned a black VOLUNTEER jacket with a “100” emblem on the arm in recognition of the time they gave.   
Pictured: Elizabeth Ebel, AdventurePlex Assistant
In addition, we gave pullovers to 177 volunteers who hit the 40-hour mark in 2019. 

Great news! We will continue this recognition in 2020! Any volunteers who haven’t yet received these items can earn them this year by meeting the 40- and 100-hour marks. 


Tips for earning your jacket:
  • Remember to complete your hours reporting each month
  • Consider creating a greater impact in the community with an additional BCHD volunteer role
Volunteer at events to earn extra hours (when events resume, hopefully in May)
March Volunteer Perks Winners!
 
The Volunteer Perks Program is intended to recognize and show appreciation to BCHD Volunteers committed to serving their community. 
Congratulations to this month's winners!

1 st  Prize
Claudia Lindwall

 
2 nd  Prize
Antoinette Phillips

 
3 rd  Prize
Francoise Schmutz
To learn more about Volunteer Perks, c lick here
Volunteer Services will contact winners to redeem prize. 
Save the Date: Volunteer Recognition Brunch Saturday, August 8, 2020

Please save the date. We will be reaching out to you with more information in the future. We appreciate your patience.
Errand Assistance for Older Adults & Health Information

During this time of heightened health concern, BCHD is available to offer help and support. Please contact us if you or someone you know is in need of errand assistance or health referrals in the Beach Cities. Our Assistance, Information & Referral line is available, 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
BCHD Guided Mindfulness Practice
Free online guided meditation
Keep Up With Our Interactive Fitness Videos!

BCHD will be posting regular exercise videos from its  Center for Health & Fitness  
Apply for a BCHD Non-profit or Micro-enrichment Grant

We’ve extended the deadline for our non-profit agency grants to April 30 and also have micro-enrichment grants available. Learn more and apply at  bchd.org/grants  
Apply to Join One of Our Board-appointed Committees

 Applications are now available for our strategic planning, finance and community health committees. High school students welcome to apply. Deadline is noon on May 4. Learn more at  bchd.org/committee
Feed Your Well-Being
Blue Zones Project® helps local eateries optimize their establishments for health

Find out which Blue Zones Project Approved™ Restaurants and Grocery Stores have take out, curbside pick-up or delivery.
Tips To Help Those In Need During COVID-19 Emergency

Here are ways residents can support at-risk older adults in their area: 

  • Keeping a positive attitude as much as possible
  • Taking out and picking up trash cans
  • Shopping or running errands
  • Bringing meals or scheduling meal delivery
  • Picking up prescriptions or over the counter supplies
  • Walking the dog(s)
  • Moving the car for parking purposes
  • Dropping off or picking up letters or packages at the post office
  • Sending a care package
  • Bringing the mail or newspaper to the front porch
  • Calling or texting to let them know you are thinking about them. If they are willing, commit to calling each other a couple of times a week to check in and stay connected.

When helping neighbors, such as dropping off groceries and supplies, good Samaritans should follow these best practices for the safety of yourself and our community:
1 Ring the doorbell or knock on the door
2 Place items on the doorstep
3 Step six feet away from the door
4 Wait for the neighbor to open the door
5 Wave, say hello and ask them how they’re doing!
6 If they express needing additional help, you may suggest they call the BCHD Assistance, Information & Referrals line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256 (7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
7 After you leave, wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
‌

Ongoing Health Update:

On March 19, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a Safer at Home order to help slow the spread of COVID-19.  The order further restricts and limits gatherings and requires the closure of malls, shopping centers, children's playgrounds and nonessential retail businesses. Essential businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, hospitals and pharmacies are open.

Later that evening, Governor Gavin Newsom also announced a Stay at Home order for the state of California:  All individuals living in the State of California are to stay home or at their place of residence,  except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the  federal critical infrastructure sectors , critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an enhanced Health Officer Order on March 21 to reconcile elements in the March 19 Health Officer Order necessary to be consistent with the Governor’s Order.  The enhanced Order prohibits all gatherings and events , and clarifies that golf courses and personal grooming services (including hair and nail salons) are non-essential services that are closed.  

If you are mildly sick:
  • Stay home for at least seven days or until 72 hours after being fever free, whichever is longer
  • Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen
  • Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or pregnant should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick

For more information about COVID-19 visit:
Beach Cities Health District

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

World Health Organization
Visit bchdcampus.org for more information.