Riverside University Health System

Wellness Village Groundbreaking

o.verboonen — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 23:45:14 +0000

Wellness Village Groundbreaking o.verboonen Tue, 06/25/2024 - 16:45

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RUHS Breaks Ground on Pioneering Behavioral Health Project

The Wellness Village in Mead Valley will transform healthcare in Riverside County

MEAD VALLEY, CA (June 12, 2024) – Riverside University Health System (RUHS) broke ground today on the 18-acre Wellness Village in Mead Valley, a state- of-the art campus that will serve as a model for innovative health care.

The Wellness Village will seamlessly integrate behavioral health treatment, medical care and social services in a way that follows individuals during each step of their healing process. An all-inclusive approach that addresses all levels of care – from outpatient treatment to supportive housing – is unique.

Slated for completion in 2026, the Wellness Village will offer a range of services, including Riverside County’s first Children’s Crisis Residential Program and mental health urgent care for children under 13. As it is now, young children must travel out of the county for this care.

"The Wellness Village will revolutionize how we deliver healthcare by providing an environment where community members can conveniently access diverse healthcare services close to home," said Riverside County First District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries. "This project demonstrates our commitment to improving health outcomes and ensuring no family has to leave the county to receive essential care."

The campus will also feature primary and specialty medical care, dental services, substance use disorder treatment, and a pharmacy open to the public. Providing these services is particularly crucial for the Mead Valley community, an area with limited healthcare facilities. The campus will be comprised of five main buildings, totaling about 450,000 square feet. Key features include:

Youth and Family Care Center: Outpatient care, Children's Crisis Residential Program, Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program and accommodations for families while their children are in treatment

Wellness and Education Center: Intensive outpatient substance use prevention and treatment programs, perinatal specialized programs, children’s eating disorder intensive outpatient program, primary care, dentistry, imaging, and a pharmacy

Recovery Center: Adult and youth behavioral health urgent care, a sobering center, crisis residential treatment and a residential substance use disorder treatment and detox program

The Residences: Supportive housing, recovery residences and residential behavioral health programs

Restorative Care: Adult Residential Facility and Mental Health Rehabilitation Center

"The Wellness Village will create an environment that fosters wellness and sets a new standard for holistic healthcare," said Dr. Matthew Chang, Behavioral Health Director for RUHS. "The integrated services approach will allow us to address the physical, behavioral, and social aspects of health, which will lead to better overall outcomes and a higher quality of life for our community."

Construction and operation of the Wellness Village will bring significant economic benefits to the region. A Beacon Economics analysis shows the project will create hundreds of permanent jobs and generate millions of dollars in taxes and spending.

The Wellness Village will include amenities that promote community interaction and holistic recovery, such as:

Green spaces and gardens for relaxation and meditation

Sports courts and an activity lawn for physical activity and recreation

Public market and café for community gatherings

"The Wellness Village is more than just a healthcare facility; it's a community hub that promotes healing, resilience and independence," said Jennifer Cruikshank, CEO of RUHS Medical Center and Clinics. "We're excited for the many success stories that will emerge from this transformative project."

# # #

About Riverside University Health System

Riverside University Health System (RUHS) includes a 439-bed Medical Center in Moreno Valley, Calif., 14 Federally Qualified Community Health Centers, and the departments of Public and Behavioral Health. RUHS is Riverside County’s safety net provider, offering high-quality, patient-centered care. With more than 8,000 staff members and over 125 years of experience, RUHS continues its commitment to and legacy of delivering exceptional,

compassionate care with a focus on public health, behavioral health, community wellness, and medical education. Visit ruhealth.org to learn more.

Wellness Village 6.12.24.pdf

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Recovery Happens 2024

AndreaP — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 20:28:57 +0000

Recovery Happens 2024 AndreaP Mon, 06/24/2024 - 13:28

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Thu, 09/26/2024 - 11:30 - Thu, 09/26/2024 - 16:30

Join Riverside University Health System for a free and family-friendly day of celebration, resources, and support focused on effective treatments for individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorders, emphasizing integrated care and community support.

As part of National Recovery Month, Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health, SAPT will celebrate members of our community in long-term recovery from mental health and substance abuse disorders at our annual Recovery Happens 2024 event on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Riverside’s Fairmount Park. This is more than a celebration of individuals in recovery; it salutes those who work daily to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services and aims to empower others needing treatment to seek help. You are invited to come on out and join in the celebration, so please save the date!! For those interested in participating in the Banner Contest, the theme will be:

“RECOVERY HAPPENS: Every Person. Every Family. Every Community”

What: Recovery Happens 2024

Where: Fairmount Park 2601 Fairmount Blvd Riverside, CA

When: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm -Thursday September 26, 2024

If you would like to register to be an exhibitor, please click here: Exhibitor Form: https://forms.office.com/g/75sfLhBcp3

If you would like to register as a volunteer, please click here: Volunteer Form: https://forms.office.com/g/A6h8JSjm4k

For more information, call 951-782-2400.

This event will include food, refreshments, music, entertainment, community resources, children's activities, a ping pong tournament, a dance contest, cornhole, and volleyball.

Mead Valley Wellness Village

louis@civilian.com — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 21:47:11 +0000

Mead Valley Wellness Village louis@civilian.com Wed, 06/12/2024 - 14:47

Mead Valley
Wellness Village

CARES Line (800) 499-3008

Community Health + Wellness

Primary (Physical) Healthcare
Dentistry
X-rays
Pharmacy
Women, Infant & Children (WIC) Office

Children + Youth Services

Crisis Residential Treatment
Outpatient Services
Short-Term Therapeutic Residential Program
Children and Adolescent Behavioral Health Urgent Care
Youth Intensive Outpatient Program for Eating Disorders

Patient + Family Treatment Housing

Recovery Residence
Supportive Housing

Long-Term Behavioral Healthcare

Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Center
Adult Residential Facility

Behavioral Healthcare

Children’s Behavioral Health Urgent Care
Adult Behavioral Health Urgent Care
Sobering Center
Crisis Residential Treatment and Outpatient Mental Health Services
Substance Use Disorder Residential and Outpatient Services

Campus Amenities

Green Space
Recreation Areas
Gardens
Activity Lawn
Sports Courts

Public Offerings

Public Meeting Space
Public Market & Cafe

Elevating Quality of Life, Transforming Community Spaces, and Embracing Total Health

The Mead Valley Wellness Village will offer outpatient and residential services for behavioral health and substance use disorders, primary healthcare, and behavioral health urgent care. The facility will serve children, youth, families, veterans, and others, and will be home to the first behavioral health urgent care in Riverside County for children under 13.

Located at the intersection of Placentia Street and Harvill Avenue, construction will begin in June 2024, with completion anticipated in 2026. The campus will incorporate beautiful landscaping, walking trails, and functional green spaces that are visually pleasing and beneficial to individuals in recovery. The campus and amenities will enhance the surrounding community by providing:

"Empowering everyone, everywhere, to live better, longer"

Expanded Access to Health Care

The Wellness Village will provide primary health care, children and youth services, and mental health and substance use disorder services. An on-campus pharmacy will be open to the public.

Learn More

Availability of Healthy Foods

The Wellness Village will provide a market and café open to the community.

Learn More

Enhanced Recreation Areas

The Wellness Village will include parks, recreation areas, gardens, rest areas, and trails for community members utilizing our services.

Learn More

Community Wellbeing Initiatives + Positive Impact

louis@civilian.com — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 21:30:03 +0000

Community Wellbeing Initiatives + Positive Impact louis@civilian.com Wed, 06/12/2024 - 14:30

Community
Wellbeing Initiatives
+ Positive Impact

CARES Line (800) 499-3008

Understanding the Need for Change

Our initiative draws inspiration from over two decades of research into the longest-lived cultures globally. We harness scientifically proven lessons of longevity, health, and happiness to transform community environments, making healthy choices more accessible.

To enhance the well-being of entire communities, our approach takes a systems perspective, introducing lasting changes to the places and spaces where people live, work, learn, and play. These transformative alterations collectively encourage individuals to move naturally, cultivate a positive mindset, and foster connections with others.

Application in Wellness Villages

We are committed to integrating valuable insights into the development and implementation of Wellness Villages, addressing community needs and promoting well-being. Through this approach, Wellness Village communities positively impact individual lives and contribute to the overall health and vitality of the community for future generations.

The Wellness Village Economic Impact

Benefits to Community and County

Boost economic vitality
Attract new businesses
Increase property values
Generate new housing starts
Attract grants, awards, gifts, and funding

Learn More

Benefits to Large Employers

Improve productivity
Lower healthcare costs
Reduce turnover rates
Enhance employee engagement and satisfaction
Attract a skilled workforce

Learn More

Benefits to Non-Profit Organizations

Accelerate community reach and awareness
Attract grants and awards
Guide community initiatives by sitting on leadership committees
Position organization as an innovator and leader in the community
Magnify impact by joining an inclusive movement in the community

Learn More

Benefits to Health Systems

Collaborate with partners to create an accountable community health model
Position brand as a trusted partner for health and well-being with residents
Decrease prevalence and incidence of chronic disease
Lead with innovation to meet the highest needs
Support people in living better, longer

Learn More

Building a Culture of Wellbeing

louis@civilian.com — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 21:07:47 +0000

Building a Culture of Wellbeing louis@civilian.com Wed, 06/12/2024 - 14:07

Building a
Culture of
Wellbeing

CARES Line (800) 499-3008

The Wellness Village offers a helping hand to support individuals and families in their journey to a well lifestyle. The Village provides for an entire continuum of behavioral health and wellness care, from urgent treatment to supportive housing, including outpatient care, education, and social services. This innovative campus - 18 acres and five buildings with various park settings, activity areas, and outdoor gathering areas - connects the community with the outdoors. The Village is a place for all to feel safe and supported.

Reinforce the continuum of care

Include Full Service Partnership programs to treat unserved or under-served individuals
Offer programs that address the needs of individuals and the community
Be leaders in prompting innovative solutions toward the continuum of care
Provide behavioral health and physical health services
Tailor services to individual needs
Improve consumer engagement through multiple levels of care
Include complete substance use programs, including intensive outpatient counseling and specialized programs for parenting and families

Foster self-sufficiency, stability, and recovery

Promote recovery values of voice, choice, hope, empowerment and strength
Support individuals to have control over their journey and to develop their identity during recovery
Teach development of “natural supports” for long-term change
Emphasize the continuum of care from treatment to independence. These programs are centered on coaching, accountability and empowerment
Increase community economics by providing connectivity to benefits

Inspire community wellness and environmental sustainability

Inspire community health and wellness by increasing the Healthy Places Index score by 8.2%
Promote healthy living through access to healthy foods, outdoor amenities, and education
Focus on reducing water usage and carbon footprint
Create a desirable place to work that positively supports the community and recruits the best staff
Pursue LEED Silver to focus on reducing energy consumption and waste, managing resources efficiently, and reducing operating costs and environmental impacts

Protect vulnerable youth

Programs for new parents, foster parents, guardians, and the village raising our youth
Provide safe places for youth to grow and feel supportive compassion
Enable the family to stay together while parent(s) solidify their own recovery
Provide trauma informed therapy for youth and caregivers as well as peer services and education
Promote family stabilization and recovery
Create partnerships with schools, community providers, DPSS, and HUD to improve service access

Create a better community

Provide the right service at the right place and the right time
Decrease unneeded emergency room visits and incarcerations by providing improved access to alternative services that use prevention practices
Collaborate with community partners to provide services and support to residents of the village as well as the broader community
Increase outer-community economics by providing connectivity to benefits
Decrease 5150 holds by using evidence-based crisis response and urgent care placement
Improve housing stability and reduce homelessness
Decrease overdoses and untreated addiction

Promise

louis@civilian.com — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 19:03:07 +0000

Promise louis@civilian.com Wed, 06/12/2024 - 12:03

Promise

CARES Line (800) 499-3008

The Wellness Village’s meticulously designed services act as pathways for individuals on their journey to recovery. Within the campus are dedicated spaces of comfort and safety that serve as havens for help, healing, and growth.

We go beyond conventional support, embracing continuous development by fostering new skills and cultivating healthy habits for sustained wellness. The Wellness Village is a visionary concept, an interconnected network where every element aligns to create an environment that promotes well-being.

Tailored health services: Primary healthcare, children and youth services, mental health, and substance use disorder services
Comprehensive community support: New health services, recreation areas, community engagement, and resources for wellness
Economic impact: Direct annual spending, diverse staff with a Cultural Competency program, and contracts with local businesses
Overall impact: Improved community health, job creation, a desirable hub for work and healthcare, enhanced options, and economic revenue

The Four Promises of the Wellness Village

Respect

Respect the people and community by providing protected, supportive and quality behavioral and physical health care while fostering opportunities for community engagement.

Compassion

Compassionate design promoting self-sufficiency, growth, and security, destigmatizing behavioral health care.

Healing

Emphasize calming areas with natural elements, abundant light, and connectivity, meeting sustainability goals and promoting well-being.

Community

Create spaces that bring people together and foster a comfortable environment and sense of community.

The Wellness Village Economic Impact

Economic Stimulation

Generate millions of dollars in economic benefit annually
Create 600 jobs upon opening
Stimulate local economy through job creation

Learn More

Community Support

Attract hundreds of professionals (doctors, nurses, etc.)
Provide critically needed local health care services
Address behavioral health challenges, taking the full person into account

Learn More

Talent Attraction & Retention

Create an appealing work environment
Draw top talent to Wellness Village communities

Learn More

Partnerships & Collaborations

Establish partnerships with local colleges
Collaborate with Workforce Development
Provide career mentorship and growth opportunities

Learn More

PEI Pulse Newsletter - VOL 7 Issue 3 June 2024

AndreaP — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:48:45 +0000

PEI Pulse Newsletter - VOL 7 Issue 3 June 2024 AndreaP Wed, 06/05/2024 - 11:48

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Inland Empire Residents Invited to Hit a ‘Home Run for Health’ at annual baseball game planned for June 6

MMorales — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:45:25 +0000

Inland Empire Residents Invited to Hit a ‘Home Run for Health’ at annual baseball game planned for June 6 MMorales Tue, 06/04/2024 - 13:45

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Contact:

Kerri S. Mabee

Public Information Officer

Riverside University Health System

P: 951-467-7542 E: K.Mabee@ruhealth.org

Inland Empire Residents Invited to Hit a ‘Home Run for Health’ at annual baseball game planned for June 6

RIVERSIDE, CA (June 3, 2024) Public health agencies in Riverside and San Bernardino counties are teaming up once again for “Home Run for Health,” an annual baseball game that celebrates all things “public health” with free entry for Inland Empire residents.

“We love to see the smiling faces of our community and RUHS employees at Home Run for Health. Not only does the community get to enjoy a game of baseball, but they will also have access to dozens of program resources throughout the game,” said Kim Saruwatari, Director, of Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS Public Health).

The Inland Empire 66ers will take on the Lake Elsinore Storm at 6:35 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 at San Manuel Stadium, located at 280 South E Street in San Bernardino.

The theme for this year’s game is equity, advancing health and resources for all residents.

RUHS Public Health and San Bernardino County Department of Public Health look to share vital information about services with the community as they enjoy an exciting baseball game with their family, friends and co-workers.

“Public health has always emphasized the importance of collaboration amongst partners to provide services and resources to our community. The best thing about this event will be all the health information that will be made available to fans from both San Bernardino and Riverside counties,” said Josh Dugas, San Bernardino County Public Health Director.

Tickets are free to the public, while supplies last.

Each family may reserve up to 4 tickets. Parking is $10 per vehicle.

Gates open to the public at 5:30 p.m.

Residents may access vouchers online at https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Publichealth2

Home Run for Health 6.03.24.pdf

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Riverside County Residents Urged to Be Safe Around Water This Holiday Weekend

o.verboonen — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:17:14 +0000

Riverside County Residents Urged to Be Safe Around Water This Holiday Weekend o.verboonen Tue, 06/04/2024 - 09:17

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kerri S. Mabee
Title: Public Information Officer
C:951.467.7542 E: K.Mabee@ruhealth.org

Riverside County Residents Urged to Be Safe Around Water This Holiday Weekend

RIVERSIDE, CA (May 24, 2024) Riverside County health officials urge residents to be water watchers as summer kicks off with Memorial Day festivities. The reminder comes as pools, lakes and beaches are expected to be busy with people looking for some holiday sun and fun.

“This is an especially important time of year to be mindful of children and all family members when they are around water. It’s also an important time to ensure our children and grandchildren take survival swim lessons and learn the rules around the pool,” said Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington.

Pools, natural water sources and tubs and water-filled buckets pose a serious danger for drowning if children or even adults are not properly monitored.

“All drownings are tragic and all drownings are preventable. The key is to never assume that someone else is watching your children when they are around water – any kind of water,” said Kim Saruwatari, Director, RUHS Public Health.

Preventive actions include:

• Add barriers to water sources, such as gates, fences, and alarms.
• Assign a water watcher whenever people are close to water, and never allow someone to swim alone.
• Adults who are in or near water should avoid consuming alcohol and medications that can influence judgment, balance, and the ability to swim.
• Get trained in CPR, basic first aid, and rescue methods.
• Enroll children in swim lessons with a certified instructor.
• Wear life jackets when on or near natural water sources.

Residents are urged to also be mindful of these layers of protection when vacationing at a hotel or at a vacation rental.

In 2024, there have been 25 drowning incident reports with five adult fatalities and zero reports of child fatalities in Riverside County.

For safety tips and resources, visit www.ruhealth.org/rivcowatersafety.

About Riverside University Health System

Water safety 5.24.24.pdf

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RUHS Program Inspires Future Medical Leaders Press Release

o.verboonen — Tue, 21 May 2024 22:53:51 +0000

RUHS Program Inspires Future Medical Leaders Press Release o.verboonen Tue, 05/21/2024 - 15:53

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alex Groves

Senior Public Information Specialist

951-675-7414 (cell) | a.groves@ruhealth.org

RUHS Program Inspires Future Medical Leaders

Immersive experience helps middle school students explore healthcare careers

MORENO VALLEY, CA (May 16, 2024) – Time travel doesn’t yet exist, but middle school students are peering into their futures as part of a collaborative program between Riverside University Health System - Medical Center (RUHS-MC) and Landmark Middle School in Moreno Valley that gives insight on what it’s like to work in the medical field.

Each month, RUHS doctors bring medical science to life for more than 50 seventh and eighth graders in teacher Carly Blask’s anatomy and physiology class through hands-on learning and experiments in epidemiology, the musculoskeletal system and more.

The program – Fostering Healthcare Education and Research Network – Middle School, or F(h)ERN-M, was created by pediatric residents Dr. Marcus Lowe and Dr. Jazmin Fernandez in September 2023.

On a recent field trip to RUHS-MC, the students listened to inside stories from doctors in various fields, as well as a respiratory therapist and nursing coordinator before touring the morgue, a lab, Pediatrics and the Emergency Department.

“We want to give these middle schoolers a variety of opportunities to engage in healthcare,” said RUHS Pediatric Primary Care Track Director Dr. Gabrielle Pina, who oversees the program. “We want them to know there are many potential roles in this field in addition to being doctors or nurses. Maybe they’ll be a respiratory therapist, or maybe they’re incredibly creative and can be a graphic artist, or even someone who helps fundraise to help keep the doors open.”

Student Janelle Bailey, 14, said the tour not only helped her realize what she wouldn’t want to do, but also what she liked. She felt a deep connection to a segment focused on babies.

“I started doing more research when I got home, and I realized I wanted to pursue a career in ultrasound,” she said.

Inspiring our Future: Landmark Middle School Students' Journey with F(h)ERN-M and RUHS - YouTube

In the classroom, students have learned how to cast and splint broken bones, watched a doctor demonstrate a cardiac ultrasound and became certified in stopping a life-threatening bleeding injury.

“They showed us with different stations how we save someone’s life by stopping a wound from bleeding, how to apply bandages and how to save someone when they’re choking,” said Sebastian Garcia, 14. “We’ve had a lot of time to put that to work, taking what we’ve learned and teaching it to other students as well as staff.”

Blask said she’s enjoyed seeing the light bulb moment that’s visible on a student’s face when they hear a doctor talk about an element of their job and the student realizes they could do the same thing.

When speakers talk about themselves and how they got into the medical field, it only serves to inspire the students even more, she said.

“The medical field is a pretty high reaching goal,” Blask said. “It’s a difficult field to work in and to get into so having people come speak to them and tell them their stories and their backgrounds, and how they got there shows them it is possible. It’s not just a dream. And it really gets them started on the right foot.”

Both Blask and Pina say they are excited to continue with the program and hope to expand the opportunity to other middle schools in the area.

For more information on Riverside University Health System, visit www.ruhealth.org.

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F(h)ERN-M.pdf

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