When I was growing up, “back to school” always meant September. These days, thanks to the AP testing calendar in high schools, many school districts have moved up their first day of classes to mid-August. That’s what has happened in the Beach Cities, as the Hermosa Beach City, Manhattan Beach Unified and Redondo Beach Unified School Districts all welcomed students on August 20.
That date marks the start of a busy month for our team at Beach Cities Health District, as members of our Well-Being Services department will attend many “Back-to-School Night” events in the public schools, promoting the numerous programs we offer for students, including LiveWell Kids, Drug Free Communities education, and the services available for young people at allcove Beach Cities.
Our team members will also explain how our Well-Being Services team has been restructured to better serve children and adults, with allcove Beach Cities providing services and events for those 12-25. When combined with our Community Services team, which serves older adults and adults with disabilities, this restructuring delivers programming across the lifespans of Beach Cities residents that is committed to empowering our community through wellness and care.
Previously, BCHD services for students were grouped for those in K-12, with the Blue Zones Project (now our Well-Being Services department) handling programs for adults.
Starting this year, our work targeting the BCHD health priorities of Mental Health & Substance Use and Physical Health will be streamlined for young people ages 12 to 25 through the emotional, physical and social support services at allcove Beach Cities. Existing partnerships and engagement with Beach Cities middle schools and high schools will now be directed to allcove Beach Cities, the innovative wellness center designed with, by and for youth.
Our revamped Well-Being Services department will serve as bookends to allcove Beach Cities by focusing attention on children ages 0 to 11, along with providing supplemental support to the most influential adults in their lives – parents, caregivers, and education professionals.
Parental nurturing during the crucial developmental period of 0-5 years is critical because it lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong well-being, health and success. Early experiences can profoundly affect brain architecture, learning, behavior, and physical and mental health.
Furthermore, “the work of parenting is essential not only for the health of children but also for the health of society,” wrote US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in a 2024 advisory. “We know that the well-being of parents and caregivers is directly linked to the well-being of their children.” Therefore, high levels of reported parental stress, elevated rates of K-12 teacher burnout and the current loneliness epidemic amongst adults are significant public health concerns that motivate BCHD to take on this balanced approach with preventive health.
In addition to helping our youngest residents thrive, a similar investment of time and effort must go towards the wellness of those who are raising them.
I encourage you to visit our website at bchd.org to learn more about the impactful programs and services we offer for Beach Cities residents of all ages.
In health,
Tom
