May 2023

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!



Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. It includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel and act (Source: CDC). It enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well and contribute to their community (Source: World Health Organization). We all have mental health and need to take care of it just like how we take care of our physical health. 

When you are feeling physically sick, you may get some rest or call your doctor, but if you are mentally unwell, you may be less likely to take a break. Mental health is just as important as physical health and should be taken with the same seriousness as any physical health problem. In fact, both mental health and physical health are connected and contribute to our overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many physical health problems like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness. Self-care practices like exercise and getting enough sleep can benefit both your mental health and physical health.

Beach Cities Health District’s “Mental Health is Health” community-wide campaign aims to decrease stigma, increase help seeking behaviors, increase awareness of and access to resources for mental health, and build community capacity to support individuals who need mental health resources. Prioritize your mental health today and check in, get support and attend an event.

Volunteer Spotlight

Teri Cannon: The Wonders of Volunteering 

Written by Sue Murray, Spotlight Writer Volunteer 

Teri Cannon moved to Redondo Beach in 1979 after growing up in the San Gabriel Valley. She enjoyed the community and healthy lifestyle afforded by living near the beach. However, it wasn’t until after she retired that she realized there was a gap in her life that needed to be filled. 

While reading one of the local newspapers, a notice about BCHD’s Blue Zones Project activities caught Teri’s eye. After attending a few meetings and workshops highlighting the importance of community and everyone’s walking mobility, Teri joined a Walking Moai group with her friend. Twelve years later, this group still goes out for hour-long walks one or more times a week. 

“I get so much pleasure out of our walking group. It's the companionship, laughter and, of course, fitness that make these walks such a positive part of my week,” explains Teri. Speaking to Teri and listening to her refreshingly happy and positive voice, it’s not difficult to realize that she gives as much to the walking group as she gets back. 

Teri’s involvement with this BCHD initiative led to her volunteering on a regular basis with other BCHD programs, such as the Power 9 Advisory Committee and Well-Being Services. She enjoys encouraging other members of the community to adopt the Power 9 principles that help them live longer, healthier lives.  

Jackie Uy, Well-Being Services Associate, had this to say about Teri, “(She) has been involved with BCHD for a long time and has had a monumental impact on not only introducing Blue Zones Project to others, but embodying the Power 9 Principles in her everyday life. Part of what makes the Blue Zones Project special are the moais, or groups of people that gather for a common purpose and participate in healthy activities like walking, cooking meals or engaging in book discussions together. Since I started at BCHD, I've received correspondence from over 20 Beach Cities residents looking for opportunities for connection and a sense of belonging. Teri has stepped up in her role as a Moai Lead to help orient these people to her various groups including messaging them about meeting details, organizing meetings and checking in with each of the members when needed. Without her leading Moais, our list wouldn’t be where it is today.” 

When she’s not volunteering at BCHD, Teri gives her time to other community programs. She serves as a Board Director of the Women’s Club in Redondo Beach and as a member of the Board of Directors at Behavioral Health Services Inc., supporting those with mental or physical health challenges, and those caught up in substance abuse. She is also a Board Director at the Women’s Club of Redondo Beach.  

Teri encourages other potential volunteers with these words, “I love getting involved in community events and talking to people from all walks of life. It keeps my mind and body active and engaged. Whether participating in conservation efforts at the Earth Day event at Wilderness Park or interacting with the kids working on their gardening projects, BCHD has something for everyone. My advice is to take a step to find out more today!”  

What’s Happening This Month:  

Mental Health Awareness Month 

District Highlight: Mental Health Programming  

This month, BCHD will highlight all the various mental health programming taking place throughout the District, specifically during May which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn more about this program by watching Ronnie Nakasone, Health Promotions Manager, who presented at the April Board of Directors meeting, or view the presentation slides.

Mental Health Talking Points & Upcoming Events:  

Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with Beach Cities Health District! Mental health is an important part of our overall health and well-being. We all have mental health and need to take care of it just like we take care of our physical health. Prioritize your mental health today. There are many ways to participate:  

• Get support for yourself or someone you care about. 
• Check in – take care of your mind and body. 
• Attend an event to learn more about Mental Health. Visit bchd.org/mentalhealthawareness for the calendar of community events, resources and healthy living tips. Follow and tag us on social media to support #BeachCitiesMentalHealth when attending one of our community events. 

Virtual Mindfulness Drop-In 

Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques. Facilitated by a trained Center for Health & Fitness instructor.   



Wednesday, May 3  

4 – 4:30 p.m.  

Register at www.bchd.org/mindfulness   

Mindfulness Summit 

Parras Middle School is partnering with Beach Cities Health District and South Bay Families Connected to host an in-person mindfulness summit for community members of the South Bay. 

Saturday, May 6, 2023  

9:00am to 12:30pm 

Parras Middle School  

200 N. Lucia Ave. 

Redondo Beach CA 90277 

Register here 

Virtual Happiness Chat    

Support your well-being with casual discussions focused on connection and resilience. Attend one or all chats!   

Tuesday, May 9   

12:30 – 1 p.m.  

Register at www.bchd.org/series  

South Bay Alzheimer's Community Forum 

Join Beach Cities Health District for a hybrid community forum to learn about Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss. Share your thoughts about how we can help people affected by the disease in the South Bay community. Topics will also include mental health for caregivers and those living with the disease. Register here or by calling (310) 374-3426, option 1. If you would like to join virtually, a Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. 

Thursday, May 11 

2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

514 N. Prospect Ave., Lower Level, Beach Cities Room 

Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

City of Manhattan Beach Older Adult Health Fair 

The Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department, along with Venice Family Clinic, is pleased to announce the 43rd Annual Older Adult Health Fair. Visit the BCHD booth at the health fair! Transportation for Manhattan Beach older adults provided by Dial-A-Ride (310) 545-3500. More Info here. 

Friday, May 19 

8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Joslyn Community Center  

1601 N. Valley Dr. 

Manhattan Beach CA 90266 

Mental Health First Aid Training 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches how to recognize and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. You'll learn how to assess risk factors, provide initial support and connect individuals to professional resources when needed.  

Tuesday, May 23   

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  

Friday, June 9  

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  

Beach Cities Health District  

514 N. Prospect Ave, Beach Cities Room (Lower Level)  

Redondo Beach, CA 90277  

Register here 

Mental Health in the Workplace  

Join Beach Cities Health District and Dr. Michele Nealon, President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, who will provide her expertise on mental health and its impact on the workplace.  

Wednesday, May 31 

AdventurePlex  

1701 Marine Ave.,  

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

8 – 10 a.m. 

Click here to register (hybrid option available) 

Join us at the next BCHD Board Meeting 

All volunteers are welcome to attend Board meetings held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. This month’s Board Meeting will be on May 24 and will feature Mental Health Awareness Month! 

Get information on upcoming meetings and leave public comments on agendas here: https://www.bchd.org/public-meetings.  

RSVP for BCHD's annual Volunteer Recognition Brunch!

The Board of Directors and staff of Beach Cities Health District invite our active volunteers to join us for our annual Volunteer Recognition Brunch. We encourage you to come dressed in your favorite Spring Fling outfit to fit the theme! We’d love to see you there!!! 

Interested in volunteering (getting back to it or taking the next step to volunteer) with BCHD?  

See below for what’s currently available and please stay tuned to our newsletters and website as new opportunities arise! Anyone interested is welcome to fill out our Volunteer Application at www.bchd.org/volunteer. If you are or have been a BCHD volunteer or if you have questions, you’re invited to email us at Volunteers@bchd.org. 

Administrative Office Front Desk Volunteer

Our Admin and Community Services departments are looking for volunteers (18+) to help with telephone coverage; front desk screening of staff and visitors; periodic disinfection of shared spaces; mail and package distribution; badge making; supplies inventory; assembling marketing packets; assisting with Help Desk Ticket tasks and projects. Weekly 4-hour shift commitment on a regular basis is required.   

Center for Health & Fitness Front Desk Volunteer

Are you outgoing and friendly and want to make a difference in your community? Come volunteer at the front desk of our Center for Health and Fitness. Volunteers check in and greet members as they arrive to the gym as well as provide additional assistance to front desk staff. Must be at least 18+ and commit to 2 hours a week. Shifts available: Wednesday, 8:30 – 11 a.m. or Sunday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 



Campus Greeter – Morning and Early Afternoon Shifts 

Volunteers (14+) meet all guests who enter the 514 building while also providing general support and customer service duties for the full BCHD campus. Duties include greeting guests and tenants, providing information and referral to public, walking visitors to/from medical appointments or allcove upon request, maintaining a clean and orderly area and tracking volunteer hours worked. Must be friendly, helpful and able to push wheelchairs and walk around the campus. Weekly 2 or 3 hour shift required for one year; scheduling available Monday – Saturday. *Expected commitment for High School students is a semester or over the summer. 

Event Volunteer Opportunities

It is important for Beach Cities Health District to be out in the community sharing our programs and resources with our residents.  

Adams Middle School PTSA Health and Wellness Festival 

Date: May 13, 2023 

Every year the Adams Middle School PTSA hosts a health and wellness festival that invites local businesses, community organizations and food vendors that encourage and promote healthy behaviors. Volunteers are needed to help staff our booth and provide general BCHD info, assist staff with a mindfulness activity, and assist by collecting waivers for the inflatable. Shift times are 9:30 a.m. - noon and noon - 2:30 p.m. 

Manhattan Beach Tour de Pier 

Date: May 21, 2023 

The 11th Annual Tour de Pier is a unique fundraising event that brings one of the hottest indoor fitness activities — stationary cycling — to the beautiful outdoors of Manhattan Beach. Volunteers are needed to help by setting up and breaking down booth; assisting visitors with mindful moment activity (similar to a meditation station); and connecting with visitors about BCHD happenings. Shift times: 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Fiesta Hermosa 

Dates: May 27-29, 2023

For 51 years, Fiesta Hermosa has been filling Hermosa’s streets with art, music, and fun. Volunteers are needed to assist with meditation station and connecting with visitors about BCHD news and updates. Shift times: 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 - 6 p.m. (these are the shift times each day of the festival). 

Click here for more information about each of these events. 

Volunteer Hours

We are grateful for the 18,239 reported hours of BCHD volunteer service in 2022. This number includes calls made, visits to older adult clients, Center for Health & Fitness front desk check-ins, committee meetings, administrative support, grocery deliveries, prescription pick-ups, intern projects, garden maintenance, and more. Thank you for your commitment to help the community! We know BCHD volunteers will continue doing remarkable things in 2023.  

Volunteer Hours to date are:

January: 2,272.42

February: 1,447.42

March: 2,083.42

April: 2,107.83

BCHD volunteers contributed 7,911.09 hours to our essential services for the community. Thank you!!

Volunteer Anniversaries

Thank you to these fabulous volunteers for their years of service! We’re so fortunate to have volunteers who are so committed to making this a healthy beach community! Congrats on your anniversary!  

May Anniversaries

Toshi Takehara, 9 

Susan Macwilliams, 8 

Sandi Fuerte ,1 

*Official years of service in BCHD system.

First & Third Tuesday of the Month, Virtual

(May 2 & 16)

10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014 

2nd Mondays, In person 

(May 8)

2 – 3 p.m. 

Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, Sunset Room 

1601 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

National Senior Health & Fitness Week

Join the Center for Health & Fitness for National Center Health & Fitness Week, the nation’s largest health event encouraging all older adults to take action toward maintaining and improving their health. Enjoy FREE classes, educational lectures and assessments.

May 30 - June 2

Center for Health & Fitness

514 N. Prospect Ave.

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

City of Redondo Beach National

Senior Health & Fitness Day

As a community we come together to highlight the importance of healthy and active aging. We would like to take the time to showcase our current members and instructors while they do a small demonstration of their great classes. Join Beach Cities Health District for a movement class, a nutrition demonstration and mental health and happiness workshop. 

Wednesday, May 31 

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

Redondo Beach Main Library 

303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy. 

Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

Call (310) 318-0650 to register 

Hybrid Mental Health and Happiness Workshop – Strategies for Older Adults  

Engage in an interactive workshop to learn ways to support our mental health and well-being as we age. Learn how to access mental health support in our community. 

Thursday, June 1 

12 – 12:55 p.m. 

Center for Health and Fitness 

514 N. Prospect Avenue, 2nd floor 

Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Clubhouse Room) 

Zoom Link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/81068355342?pwd=N3pBZXo1dmJFRDZBaDF6M3J3VXRHQT09