RUHS breaks ground on behavioral health project 

Riverside University Health System (RUHS) broke ground last week on the 18-acre Wellness Village in Mead Valley.

The Wellness Village will integrate behavioral health treatment, medical care and social services in a way that follows individuals during each step of their healing process. According to county officials, 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 total cost of the project is $580M, with $80M secured from the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program grant from the Department of Health Care Services.

“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    
• Community meeting space for local events and activities   
• Boarding for pets while their owners receive treatment    

“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.”  

The team for the project includes PMB as developer, Boulder Associates as architect, Snyder Langston as design-builder and PMB Real Estate Services as property manager. 

For more information, visit the RUHS Wellness Village website.  

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