Addiction, Mental Illness Can Tear Families Apart; Regional Town Hall In Temecula Offers Hope

TEMECULA, CA — The public is invited to attend a regional town hall in Temecula that may be of particular interest for families with loved ones suffering from mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.

The 2026 NAMI CA Southern Region Regional Town Hall takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at Temecula Valley Hospital, 31700 Temecula Parkway in Temecula. It is hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) California Southern Region and Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health.

The free event will feature presentations from Riverside University Health System experts on Senate Bill 43, a California law that expands the definition of "gravely disabled" for certain behavioral health conditions, including substance abuse, and the CARE Act, a state law that creates a court-based process to connect eligible individuals with serious mental illness to care and support.

Additional topics will include collaborative courts, crisis care, and substance use prevention and treatment resources. Dinner will be provided at the event, followed by informational presentations. Time will be allotted for questions from attendees.

The town hall is intended for residents, families, advocates, service providers and community partners interested in learning more about behavioral health services in Riverside County. Attendees will learn more about when these programs may apply, what services are available and how families, advocates and community partners can help guide those in need toward appropriate care.

"Families should not have to wait until a crisis to learn what support is available," said Dr. Matthew Chang, director of Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health. "This town hall gives us a chance to answer questions and help residents better understand the resources that can support people on their path to stability, recovery and hope."

Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington said the county is committed to making behavioral health care and resources more accessible to residents throughout the region.

"This event brings county experts directly to the community and gives residents another way to learn about services that may help them or someone they care about," Washington said.

Space is limited at the upcoming event, and advance registration is encouraged. Register: https://bit.ly/42qAV74

For more information about RUHS – BH services and resources, visit: www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health.