Redondo Beach About Town

BCHD holds Mental Health Awareness Month events

Beach Cities Health District asks residents to join in observing Mental Health Awareness Month in May and in raising awareness about mental health and mental illness.

According to BCHD, one in five people has a diagnosable mental health condition, and many adults and youth in the Beach Cities are struggling emotionally.

According to BCHD, 15 percent of Beach Cities 11th graders reported missing school in the past 30 days due to feeling very sad, anxious, stressed or angry; 16 percent of Beach Cities 11th graders reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past 12 months; 43.4 percent of Beach Cities adults reported experiencing significant daily stress, and 13.7 percent of Beach Cities adults reported being diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime.

BCHD urges residents to take three steps toward shining a light on mental health:

First, educate yourself. “Know the Signs“ to learn how to identify someone who may be in emotional distress and how to help. (Find local health-related resources and information at bchd.org/resources.)

Then, talk about it. The more people talk about mental health, the more mental health becomes normal. BCHD believes residents need to talk about mental health with the same sensitivity, care and importance as physical health to remove the stigma. (Parent tips on how to talk about it with your child, whatever it may be, can be found at bchd.org/talk.)

Finally, get involved. Attend a BCHD community event and create social connections; volunteer with the health district; consider setting up “screen-free” time; and attend free “Introduction to Youth Mental Health First Aid” training, provided by the district.

Trainings are designed to help identify the five signs of mental health concerns and practice the basics of youth mental health first aid.

The next training is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach City Council Chambers, 1315 Valley Drive.

Space is limited, registration is required. Visit bchd.org/mentalhealthawareness for more.

Blood Drive at HT Grill

Former Redondo Beach Mayor Steve Aspel and restaurateur Paul Hennessey invite residents to join them for a second-annual blood drive at HT Grill, 1701 S. Catalina Ave., on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To sign up to donate, register at cedars-sinai.edu/give-blood, and use group code HTGL. Participants will receive a t-shirt and gift certificates.

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