Mental Health Awareness Month
As the District rings in Mental Health Awareness Month, it is important to acknowledge the efforts being made to advance mental health awareness and provide our community with resources. Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has taken place annually during May, aiming to highlight the importance of mental wellness in America (SAMHSA, 2024). In 2025, this month has paved the way for success, creating space for people to talk about their mental struggles, be vulnerable, and receive the help they need.
Meet Sofia Faccini
At Beach Cities Health District, we have a bright and passionate group of young individuals who serve on the Youth Advisory Council. One of these individuals is Sofia F., a 17-year-old student at Mira Costa High School. Outside of her work with the Youth Advisory Council, she plays competitive volleyball and enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Sofia is passionate about mental health awareness and psychology, hoping to major in this area in college.
Making a Difference
Sofia joined the Youth Advisory Council to make a difference. She wanted to be “involved in [her] community in a way that was helping people directly rather than indirectly.” Approaching two years with the council, Sofia has contributed to mental health workshops and campaigns on substance abuse, and she has recently become Mental Health First Aid-certified! Sofia’s hard work has been recognized and appreciated, with Cindy Carcamo, the District’s Youth Engagement Coordinator, sharing that “her commitment to mental health advocacy within the community has been inspiring, from engaging in thoughtful discussions to helping plan initiatives that foster awareness and support for youth.”
Equipping the Community
Most recently, Sofia led a workshop on emotional management at allcove, guiding a group of young individuals toward becoming more familiar with effective strategies to combat stress and anxiety. Sofia and the rest of the Youth Advisory Council shared stress-coping mechanisms like journaling, grounding exercises, breathing techniques, and positive affirmations with participants. Those who attended were highly engaged and involved during the workshop, which inspired Sofia to host more workshops for the community. She thought it was “really cool to see people adopt these mechanisms so quickly and wholeheartedly,” which highlights the profound impact of the Youth Advisory Council in spreading mental health awareness within the community.
Future of Mental Health at the District
Looking ahead, Sofia hopes allcove can be increasingly publicized so that more community members can get involved. One idea she highlighted to increase participation among youth was to showcase allcove as a hangout spot that also offers wonderful resources for the community. Sofia has done amazing work for the community and is greatly appreciated here at the District. As Cindy put it, “To Sofia and all the youth - Your voices matter, and the work you do today is shaping a brighter, healthier future."
