Community Demands Desert Mental Health Services
INDIO – Workers and family members banded together for a candlelight vigil to save the Oasis Mental Health Rehabilitation Center’s long-term unit.
The long-term unit serves more than 30 patientsfrom the Coachella Valley andwill close its doors on June 30th because of the tough economic situation.
Marie Ryser says she understands the economy is tough, but her brother suffers from Bipolar disorder and taking him away from the center would change his life.
“There’s so much mental health issues in the valley,” Marie Ryser said.”My brother needs to be here and says this place is his home. This is the only place around here that can help them.”
According to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) more than 20 employees will lose their jobsby the end of June. Local leaders ask Coachella Valley residents to contact Riverside County to encourage them to prioritize and fundMental Health services in the desert. For more information, contact SEIU at (951) 520-7039.
