‘Turn Awareness into Action’
In 2023, then U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy authored a report in which he described hearing from Americans of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds during a cross-country listening tour, that they felt lonely—“isolated, invisible, and insignificant.” Dr. Murthy’s further study of scientific literature revealed that loneliness impacts both physical and mental health, including “a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.” (Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, 2023 [1].)
[2]I thought of the Surgeon General’s report when I attended Mastick Senior Center’s Volunteer Appreciation luncheon last month, where 180 volunteers were honored for collectively contributing 17,000 hours of volunteer time—the equivalent of $345,000!—to Mastick. I told the 100+ attendees that they were the antidote to the “epidemic of loneliness” because, as Dr. Murthy noted in an interview earlier this year, “Decreasing feelings of loneliness depends on three factors: relationships, service, and community.
Mastick’s volunteers develop relationships as they provide service to their community. Their activities include free tax preparation assistance from retired finance professionals for Senior Center members, tending Mastick’s organic community garden, leading classes, walks, and field trips, and staffing the thrift store with annual sales that exceed $100,000 and assist with the Center’s operation and maintenance costs.
The Mastick Senior Center Thrift Store (1538 St. Charles Street) is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and accepts donated items that are clean and in good condition. For more information, call 510-747-7506.
Mastick Senior Center’s programs and services are offered to adults 50 years of age and older, and membership is free but required to participate. The Senior Center is located at 1155 Santa Clara Avenue; the 51A bus stops in front of and across the street from the Center. For more information, and to register online (in English and Chinese), visit the City of Alameda [4] website and type “Mastick Senior Center” in the Search box. Or call the Center at 510-747-7500.
Another way to experience community is by signing up for one, or several, of the many classes and activities offered by Alameda Recreation & Parks Department (ARPD). Check out ARPD’s 2025 Summer Activities Guide and register for activities at the City of Alameda’s Recreation & Parks [5] web page.
You can also serve your community by serving on a City board or commission. Currently, there are openings on the Social Services Human Relations Board (SSHRB), Civil Service Board, and Public Art Commission. Find more information and an online application form online at the City of Alameda’s Applications, Appointments, and Vacancies [6] web page.
Finally, please remember that if you are facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to—or if you know someone who is struggling—help is available 24/7, in English and Spanish. Just call 9-8-8 to be connected to a trained counselor from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.
Take care of your physical and mental health. Seek help for yourself, or others. Get involved in your community. Be Alameda Strong!
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the Mayor of the City of Alameda. Reach her at [email protected] [7].
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