May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “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 suggested that loneliness impacts physical and mental health, including “a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death” (from “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community,” 2023).
I thought of the surgeon general’s report when I attended Mastick Senior Center’s recent volunteer appreciation luncheon, at which 180 volunteers were honored for collectively contributing 17,000 hours of volunteer time — the equivalent of $345,000! — to Mastick. I told the more than 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; staffing the center’s thrift store (where annual sales exceed $100,000); and assisting with the center’s operation and maintenance costs.
The Mastick Senior Center Thrift Store at 1538 St. Charles St. is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays and accepts donated items that are clean and in good condition. For more information, call 510-747-7506. The senior center’s programs and services are offered to those age 50 or older, and membership is free but required to participate.
Mastick is at 1155 Santa Clara Ave., and AC Transit’s 51A bus route stops in front of and across the street from the center. For more information or to register online in English or Chinese for any of its programs, visit bit.ly/alamedamastickprograms online. Or call 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 and Park Department (ARPD). Check the out ARPD’s Summer 2025 Activity Guide online at bit.ly/arpdsummer2025guide and register for activities at bit.ly/alamedarpdregistry.
You can also serve your community by serving on a city board or commission. Currently, openings exist on the Social Services Human Relations Board, Civil Service Board and Public Art Commission. Find more information and an online application form at alamedaca.gov.
Finally, please remember that if you are or someone you know is facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns or just needs someone to talk to, 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; and be Alameda Strong!
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda. For contact information and other details, visit bit.ly/mayorashcraft online.