RUHS Breaks Ground on Pioneering Behavioral Health Project

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."

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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.