Rep. Ruiz and UCR announce mental health service expansion into Coachella Valley

Thursday morning Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. and University of California, Riverside held a virtual news conference to announce the expansion of psychiatric residency programs and community partnerships in the Coachella Valley.

They announced a new addiction medicine fellowship program that will give 8 doctors-in-training a chance to work with the community. They will provide mental health services throughout the region.

The announcement was made in time for the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.

"With Eisenhower Health and with Hazelden Betty Ford, we'll have UCR fellows starting there in July," University of California, Riverside Psychiatry and Neuroscience Chair, Gerald Maguire, M.D., said.

The fellowship will help more patients get treatment, who are battling substance abuse in the Coachella Valley.

Thursday morning Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz hosted a webinar with health experts throughout the area. Many identified a shortage on mental health services even before the pandemic.

"We need that now more than ever because of the pandemic and because of the stress people are going to feel being unemployed," Rep. Ruiz said.

Although the resources that were announced will begin in July, there is one organization readily available in the Coachella Valley. It doesn't only assist people who are impacted by mental illness, but also their loved ones.

"I believe with all my heart that when you have a loved one who has mental illness, it's not just the person who is ill who needs to have support and resources, but also those-- the family members who are taking care of them," National Alliance on Mental Illness Coachella Valley President, Christine Thomstead said.

The grassroots organization offers support for people from all walks of life. Christine and her husband, George Thomstead, have a loved one who has also been impacted. They wanted other families to know they aren't alone.

"For us it's like, what do we do, where do we go, we don't know nothing about it, we don't know where to get help. The family members are in crisis also." NAMI Treasurer, George Thomstead said.

The couple has been involved with the alliance for years. It aims at providing support, education and advocacy. There are about 32 members in the Coachella Valley.

"We are here. We are here to support you, we are here to listen and help in whatever capacity that we can," Christine said.

She said those who participate in meetings don't even need to talk.

The group is offering virtual meetings on Zoom Video Communications during the pandemic.

"We're not doctors. It's just a matter of getting people toether who have the same issue. This group has a lot of experience," George said.

The couple said if someone does reach out and need further assistance, they can help direct people to more resources.

For more information or to contact NAMI, you can call 442-275-7385.