Everything costs more, especially health care. The best way to avoid paying high health care bills is to actively seek ways to improve your health and wellness. Here are a few ways to seek out free or low cost health education available in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia 91355
Info www.henrymayo.com/classes
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital offers free community education classes, support groups and wellness programs.
Offerings include diabetes education, nutrition classes, mindfulness and meditation and cancer support groups.
Classes are held at the HMC Education Center (23803 McBean Parkway) on the hospital campus or the Henry Mayo Fitness and Health Community Education Center (24525 Town Center Dr.).
Girl Talk Series
The Girl Talk series at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is a social and informative women’s health program designed to connect community members with medical experts in a relaxed atmosphere.
The next Girl Talk will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m. Girl Talk Presents: Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer Voices of Courage, Hope and Healing
An inspiring evening as breast cancer survivors share their personal journeys of hope, healing and resilience.
Resource Fair begins at 4:45 p.m.
Learn about the latest breast cancer resources and information. Visit a special Hand Massage and Beauty Center. Connect with local organizations and support services.
Diabetes Support Group
Diabetes can be an exhausting illness. It is estimated that more than 1 in 10 people in the United States has diabetes. Healthy coping is essential to be able to not only manage your blood sugars, but to be able to improve and maintain your overall health. The group meets the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled on Monday, Oct. 12.
To register for the Diabetes Support group visit bit.ly/4hysxtl.
Overeaters Anonymous
Body weight is an important part of successful health and wellness protocols. The group meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Call to register: Tami H (661) 313-4226 or Jessica S (408) 564-2504.
Call (661) 200-2300 for more information on general health, diabetes, mindfulness, or nutrition classes at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.
Kaiser Permanente Santa Clarita
27107 Tourney Rd., Valencia 91355
Info kp.org
Kaiser Permanente offers free healthy living and wellness classes to members at its Santa Clarita Medical Offices. Most programs are available at no cost to eligible Kaiser Permanente members.
Among the programs offered:
Healthy Balance A Weight Management Program: Focuses on healthy eating, building daily habits and increasing physical activity.
Taking Care of Your Heart Helps members manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease risks.
Living Well with Diabetes Offers practical support for balanced eating, blood sugar monitoring.
Phone Support/Registration Questions: Call (818) 375-3018.
Online Registration Members can log in to Kaiser Permanente Southern California or use the online appointment center via kp.org.
Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center at Bella Vida
27180 Golden Valley Rd., Saugus 91350; (661) 259-9444
Info www.scvseniorcenter.org/activities-classes
The SCV Senior Center at Bella Vida offers free health and wellness lectures, educational workshops and support sessions, alongside ongoing physical activities like fitness classes, chair exercises and games.
The center hosts regular health and wellness lecture series Wednesdays, 1-2 p.m. in Activity Room H or via Zoom. The lectures cover topics like nutrition, disease prevention and vision care.
Regular Support Services Info sessions outline available community resources, case management, support groups, and health navigation.
For more information on these programs contact Health & Wellness Program Coordinator Diana Sevanian, at (661) 259-9444 ext. 113 or email [email protected] for current schedules and registration.
Among the fitness classes offered at the SCV Senior Center are Sit and Be Fit, Chair Pilates, Tai Chi/Meditation, Zumba Gold and Flex and Flow Yoga.
The SCV Senior Center also offers an on-site fitness center for older adults to stay active.
Social interaction is important to the overall wellness of seniors. A wide variety of programs for all interests are available.
A healthy diet is also important for seniors. Meals are served daily. For more information visit www.scvseniorcenter.org/meal-services.
Santa Clarita Valley Community Center
26111 Bouquet Canyon Rd. Suite H001, Saugus 91350
Info bit.ly/4hglI0E
This center is operated by the Los Angeles County’s Aging and Disabilities Department. Its vision is to help seniors live with dignity and independence. It offers are variety of services that emphasize learning, socialization, healthy living and community engagement and includes a crochet club, Zumba, computer club, art club and sewing and quilting club.
City of Santa Clarita Seasons Catalog
Info santaclarita.gov/seasons
The city of Santa Clarita offers low cost fitness classes through its Seasons catalog from the Parks and Recreation Department. Find a variety of healthy living classes including yoga, meditation, mobility and stability, strength and agility and more.
College of the Canyons
Info bit.ly/4hUySAA
College of the Canyons offers a variety of free classes for SCV seniors including “Healthy Aging for Older Adults,” “Yoga for Older Adults” and “Health and Fitness for Older Adults.”
To register call (661) 362-3304 and for additional questions call (661) 362-3320.
Mental Health
Finding free or low cost mental health resources or support can be daunting. Mental health is a key component in healthy living. Depression, anxiety and other mental health issues can have a serious impact on overall health. Here are a few options in the SCV for help.
Mental Health Hookup
Info mhhu.org
Mental Health Hook-Up recognizes how crucial it is to access the right mental health resources. It is important to understand that not every program is suitable for every individual and everyone needs support and guidance throughout the journey.
NAMI
Info namisfv.org
Mental health support, education and resources in Santa Clarita are provided by the NAMI San Fernando Valley affiliate, which serves both the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.
Services offered include:
Support Groups Free, peer-led and family-led support gatherings for individuals living with mental health conditions and their loved ones.
Education Programs Multi-week courses like NAMI Family-to-Family and NAMI Peer-to-Peer covering coping skills, communication and treatment.
