eNews- Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness (Oct 10, 2023)

President's Message

Dear Rotarians,

As we commemorate World Mental Health Day, I want to emphasize the profound impact of vulnerability in our lives and the lives of those around us. In a world that often encourages us to hide our struggles, it's essential to recognize the strength and courage it takes to be open about our mental health challenges.

Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to our resilience. When we share our experiences, fears, and emotions, we not only embark on a path to healing but also create an environment of acceptance and support. This act of opening up can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to do the same.

Our collective effort to break the stigma surrounding mental health is a powerful force for change. It's a call to action to foster empathy, understanding, and compassion within our communities. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels safe and encouraged to seek help when needed.

On this World Mental Health Day, let's commit to embracing vulnerability and championing mental well-being. By doing so, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those struggling with their mental health and create a more compassionate and resilient society.

Thank you for being part of this important journey.

Warm regards,

Judith A. Verduzco, LCSW, MPA
President
Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness

#WorldMentalHealthDay #PowerOfVulnerability 💚🌍

Click Me!

Are you interested in promoting your business, organization, or event to our community? Sponsor an ad in our monthly newsletter for only $35! Send us an email at mhwrotary@gmail.com to get started.

Paid Sponsorship Ad

5 Ways to Celebrate World Mental Health Day!

Raise Awareness: Share information and resources about mental health on social media and engage in conversations to reduce stigma.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by practicing relaxation techniques, meditation, or spending time doing activities that bring you joy.
Support Others: Reach out to friends and loved ones who may be struggling, offering a listening ear or assistance in finding mental health support.
Education: Attend mental health workshops or webinars to learn more about mental health issues and how to support those in need.
Volunteer: Consider volunteering for organizations that focus on mental health advocacy, support, or awareness to contribute to the cause.

Laughter Is the Best Medicine!

Laughter has several benefits for mental health, including:

1. Stress Reduction: Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals that reduce stress and promote an overall sense of well-being.

2. Mood Improvement: Laughing can boost your mood by increasing the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

3. Relaxation: It helps relax muscles, relieve physical tension, and reduce anxiety.

4. Social Connection: Laughing with others enhances social bonding and can improve relationships, which is important for mental well-being.

5. Pain Relief: Laughter can temporarily alleviate pain by releasing endorphins and increasing pain tolerance.

6. Cognitive Benefits: It can improve cognitive functions like creativity and problem-solving by enhancing mental flexibility and reducing mental rigidity.

7. Enhanced Resilience: A sense of humor and the ability to find humor in challenging situations can build emotional resilience.

8. Improved Immune System: Some research suggests that laughter may strengthen the immune system, helping you better fend off illness.

In summary, laughter is a natural and enjoyable way to promote better mental health and emotional well-being.

Rotarian of the Month

Joseph Delgado, LMFT

World Mental Health Day

Oct 10, 2023 Ends: 11:59 PM

Club Meeting (Virtual)

Oct 10, 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Fireside Chats

Oct 17, 2023 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Board Meeting (Virtual)

Oct 17, 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Trivia Night Fundraiser
AVIGNONE’S LOUNGE
Oct 18, 2023 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Coffee & Cars Fundraiser

Oct 22, 2023 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Club Meeting (Virtual)

Oct 24, 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Club Meeting (Virtual)

Nov 14, 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

International Day of Survivors of Suicide

Nov 19, 2023 Ends: 11:59 PM

District 5280 Foundation Celebreation
Marina Del Rey Marriott
Nov 19, 2023 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

View entire list

CMA Kits Assembly

Posted on Sep 17, 2023

The Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness came together to assemble 40 Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) kits, ready to be distributed out to students in the New Opportunities CMA program this Tuesday. 🎒✨

Inside these kits, we've included essential items like BP monitors, stereoscopes, pens, along with motivational messages from our amazing members. 💪📚These kits will help the students thrive in the program.

A special thank you to Altamed for donating the bags and some of the supplies.

CMA Kits Presentation

Posted on Sep 19, 2023

Today was an incredibly special day for us as we celebrated the culmination of our certified medical assistant kits project. President Judy and Immediate Past President Dr. Bella shared their remarkable personal and professional journeys in both the medical and mental health fields. Their message to the students today was deeply heartfelt: "Never give up."

Our club members presented the students with 40 kits, a gesture that we hope will help them kickstart their educational journeys as future CMAs. We are immensely grateful to have the opportunity to nurture the dreams of these aspiring healthcare professionals.

Ending the Stigma Event

Ending the stigma! A collaborative effort with NAMI, RCMHW, RFHT, and RISE.

Veterans Rodeo of Resources

What an incredible turnout at the first quarterly Veterans Rodeo, a unique collaboration where clubs, resources, and providers unite to support local veterans. We want to express our gratitude to our President-Elect, Marisol Chianello, as well as David Chianello and Mark MacCarley, veterans and club members who have organized and led this unforgettable experience for our veteran communities. Also, we would like to recognize the American Legion Post 127 and Cohen Clinic for this fantastic partnership.

Do you know someone in your community who is a champion for mental health? We want to highlight their efforts in our monthly "Don't Bottle It Up" campaign! This initiative is all about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and we need your help to spread the word. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please send us an email at mhwrotary@gmail.com