Rep. Ruiz, University of California Riverside Announce Expanded Psychiatric Services, Hold Mental Health and Wellness Webinar
Palm Desert, CA – Today Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), Dr. Maguire of the University of California Riverside School of Medicine, and panelists from medical organizations throughout the Coachella Valley made a special announcement regarding expanded psychiatric residency programs and community partnerships in the East Valley. Following the announcement, Congressman Ruiz and panelists from each organization answered commonly asked questions related to mental health wellness in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
"Loneliness, depression, stress, and anxiety are on the rise, and it's important that you are equipped with the knowledge and resources you need to help get you through this time," said Rep. Ruiz, an emergency medicine physician. "During Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Whether you're fighting depression, battling a substance use disorder, or having suicidal thoughts, we are here today to remind you: you are not alone, and people want to help you."
You can watch the entire webinar at Rep. Raul Ruiz's YouTube page.
The full list of panelists include:
- Dr. Gerald Maguire, M.D., Professor and Chair, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, UCR School of Medicine
- Carol Wood, Director of Clinical Operations, Desert Aids Project
- Jill Gover, Ph.D., Behavioral Health Manager, Desert Aids Project
- Joseph Skrajewski, Executive Director of Medical and Professional Education, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
- Saad Niazi, Group CEO Acadia Healthcare for Pacific Grove Hospital and Acadia Hospital of Indio
- Eduardo Javier, M.D., Program Director, Addiction Medicine Fellowship, UCR/Hazelden Betty Ford/Eisenhower
- Beverly Greer, CEO, Neuro Vitality Center
- Sanjay Vaswani, M.D., Medical Director for Behavioral Health, Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo
- Afshan Baig, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo