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January 25, 2022
BCHD Board of Directors Meeting
BCHD holds public board meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month (except Aug. and Dec.). 
Wednesday, January 26
Board of Directors Study Session, 5 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
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
(February 1 and 15)
11 a.m.  12 p.m.
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
(February 2)
4  4:30 p.m.
Virtual Discussion About Behaviors in Dementia
Take an essential step toward understanding and managing behaviors associated with dementia. Dr. Linda Ercoli, Health Sciences Clinical Professor at the Semel Institute, and an expert panel will provide practical tools to create a safe, comfortable environment for the person with dementia and their caregivers. 
Thursday, February 3
3  4:30 p.m.
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
(February 8)
12:30  1 p.m.
Webinar: Healthy Brain Habits:
Reducing Your Risk for Alzheimer’s
Join L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and Alzheimer's Los Angeles for a free virtual webinar to learn about adopting healthy brain habits that may reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Wednesday, February 9 (English)
 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 23 (Spanish)
 7:30 p.m.
Volunteer for the Redondo Beach Super Bowl Race & Health Expo
Shift times:
Sat. Feb. 12: Health Expo: 9:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. & 12:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Sun. Feb. 13: Kids Run: 6 - 8 a.m. Staffing booth: 7 - 11 a.m. & 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
We are looking for volunteers to assist with the kids run by cheering on participants and showing them where to run (2/13 6 a.m. shift). All other shifts will help staff the BCHD booth and provide information and prizes to people at the race and health expo. This volunteer opportunity will adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines set by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

If you are interested in running or walking the race, please see here.
February 12-13
AdventurePlex Winter Camp
Seasonal Camps are a great way to keep your child entertained and engaged during school breaks. AdventurePlex offers single-day or week-camp registration! Space is limited and we will sell out. Sign up early!  
February 21 25
8 a.m. 4 p.m.
(extended care available)
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 – 11 a.m.
Looking for a COVID-19 test?

It is important to get a COVID-19 test, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines:
  • If you develop symptoms of COVID-19
  • If you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19
  • If you have traveled internationally or to areas in the United States where COVID-19 is quickly spreading
  • As an extra layer of protection to protect others from getting sick (e.g., before and after attending a gathering or event)

Through your medical provider:
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is asking people with insurance to first contact their medical provider to request COVID-19 testing through their own networks to ensure the testing sites help those who need it the most. If you're unsure if you need a test, check with your health care provider. If you don’t have a health care provider, call 211 to get a referral. If you are experiencing acute symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or are in distress related to COVID-19 symptoms, contact your physician. If it is an emergency, dial 911.

At-Home:
  • Through the federal government: Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. Learn more here. 
  • Through Los Angeles County: The Los Angeles County Home Test Collection program offers an at-home nasal swab test kit via mail to Los Angeles County residents who meet the following criteria: have symptoms of COVID-19, or think you were exposed to COVID-19. Home test collection kits are provided at no cost to you and are available on a limited basis. Learn more here.
  • Through insurance companies and group health plans: Beginning January 15, 2022, individuals with private health insurance coverage or covered by a group health plan who purchase an over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized, cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be able to have those test costs covered by their plan or insurance. Insurance companies and health plans are required to cover eight free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month. Learn more here.

Pick-Up:
Los Angeles County’s Pick-Up Testing Kit program allows residents to pick up a PCR test kit, perform the test and return the completed test to designated sites for processing. Residents will be notified of their test results within 24-48 hours. Pick-Up Testing Kits are provided at no cost to you if you meet the following criteria:
  • Have symptoms of COVID-19, or
  • Think you were exposed to COVID-19.
Please note the Pick-Up Testing Kits are not for use by those testing as a requirement to return to school, work or participating in team sports. Learn more here.

Testing Locations:
There are many testing locations across the County including YMCA sites, pharmacies and urgent care centers. Visit www.bchd.org/covidtesting for more information.
Need Help Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions?
As we slowly get settled into the year new, you may find that it becomes more difficult to stick to the New Year’s resolutions that you created for 2022. Luckily, there are several different methods that can help you stay on track to accomplish your goals.
Share Your Kindness Story
After the busy holiday season, January is the perfect time to reset. Your wellness is just as important as the care and attention you give to others. What is one simple act of self-care you can complete today?
Covered California Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for Covered California is open! If you're in need of health insurance, make sure to sign up before the Jan. 31 deadline. BCHD is also available to help and offering FREE enrollment appointments.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs help with health-related information and referrals, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at 310-374-3426, and press option 1, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit us online at bchd.org/resources.