The Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, with the City of Palm Springs, will celebrate the grand opening of its Health and Wellness Center with a focus on healthy living choices and deterring children from cannabis use.
The kick-off event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at the club’s location on 450 S. Sunrise Way. The day’s itinerary will include tours of the new center, games and activities for children ages 11 and older and opportunities to win Xbox gaming consoles. Those who might not be entirely ready to cut down on sugar are in luck too: Krispy Kreme donuts will be served for breakfast, along with tacos for lunch.
Special appearances are also expected by former Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers basketball player Pooh Richardson and former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Johnathan Ingram. Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner, Boys & Girls Club Palm Springs Board President and City Councilmember Geoff Kors and Councilmember Lisa Middleton will also be in attendance.
The event is free, but registration is required at www.bgcps.org/grandopening.
The Health and Wellness Center will serve as a spot where youth can take part in activities and educational programs focused on making healthy choices, which includes whipping up nutritious meals in the demonstration kitchen, learning how cannabis affects the growing mind and body, and participating in projects that develop leadership skills. There is also a resource library available where students can check out materials for reading.
During the opening event on Saturday, a session will be available to parents on signs of cannabis usage and what to do if their child is using marijuana.
In January 2021, the City of Palm Springs received a $1 million grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections to go toward the Health and Wellness Center. One of the primary goals was to address adolescent cannabis use and its effects on young brains and growing bodies.
“Although it remains illegal for minors, with the legalization of cannabis in California, cannabis products have become more accessible and attractive to teens,” Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs Margaret Keung said in a statement. “We know more resources are needed to educate parents and youth on how early cannabis use can lead to severe cognitive consequences in young brains, and this Center will help provide this education along with other programming focused on health and wellness for our Valley’s youth.”
A recently award grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections, totaling $3 million over a five-year period, will also be used to further develop the Boys & Girls Club Health and Wellness Center. A press release states it will help expand hours during the weekends and at nights and purchase a van to address transportation needs.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
