Politics & Government
Desert Residents Needed for Mental Health Board
Palm Desert residents have an opportunity to help create programs, spot needs in Riverside County's approach to mental health.
Striving to give the community a voice in the matters of mental health, the Riverside County Department of Mental Health is seeking people from Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley, Blythe and San Gorgonio Pass areas to fill four vacancies on the Riverside County Desert Board of Mental Health, a county supervisor said today.
The 15-member board supports the Department of Mental Health's efforts to improve access and quality of care in the county's mental health programs. Members visit clinics, give input on the department's initiatives and represent those initiatives in the community.
“Riverside County is in need of dedicated volunteers with an interest in mental health,” said Fourth District Supervisor John Benoit. “These appointed positions are wonderful opportunities to contribute your ideas and life experiences to improve county services for clients and their families.”
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“Board members are the voice of the communities and the citizens who receive our services,'' said Jerry Wengerd, director of the Riverside County Department of Mental Health. “Their role is most important in assisting with planning all services provided by the county.”
The board also works on special projects, such as coordinating an art show and creative writing contest in May, Mental Health Month, and revamping the department's website.
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Potential board members are asked to attend a monthly meeting of the Riverside County Desert Board of Mental Health, and then will be given an application. Applicants must attend three meetings prior to appointment to the board, Benoit said.
Lunch is served at the meetings, held at noon on the second Tuesday of each month at the Indio Mental Health Adult Services Clinic conference room, 47-825 Oasis St. The next meeting is Sept. 13.
Residents interesting in serving on the board should contact Dr. David Lundquist, desert region administrator for Riverside County Department of Mental Health, at (760) 863-8556.
City News Service contributed to this story.
