Ritter Center Unveils New Behavioral Health Outreach Van with Support From Anthem Blue Cross Foundation

New mobile unit will bring vital mental health and substance use services directly to underserved adult populations throughout Marin County.

Ritter Center is thrilled to announce the unveiling of a new Behavioral Health Outreach Van, made possible by a generous grant from the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation. This mobile unit will bring vital mental health and substance use services directly to underserved adults in Marin County, addressing pressing behavioral health challenges among low-income and homeless populations.

“Marin County faces significant barriers to behavioral health access, and this outreach van is a game-changer for connecting individuals to care,” said Mark Shotwell, CEO of Ritter Center. “This innovative effort enables us to deliver life-saving services directly to those who need them most, fostering hope and resilience in our community.”

According to the Marin County Health and Human Services Department, over 20 percent of adults report experiencing symptoms of depression, and substance use continues to impact individuals and families across the region. The Behavioral Health Outreach Van is designed to meet clients where they are, providing critical services that help reduce these disparities and improve overall community health.

Funding for the new van was provided in part from a $750,000 grant from the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation.

"At Anthem Blue Cross, we are deeply committed to supporting our communities and improving access to essential health services for all Californians, especially those who are most vulnerable,” said Beth Andersen, President Anthem Blue Cross in California. “We are proud to be supporting Ritter Center’s vital work to help close local health care gaps as it expands its reach to bring critical behavioral health and substance use services directly to unhoused individuals in Marin County.”

The new van features professionally designed, culturally sensitive graphics that reflect Ritter Center's commitment to diversity and inclusivity, ensuring all individuals feel welcomed and respected.

"The outreach van is more than a vehicle; it’s a bridge to care for individuals who might otherwise go unseen," said Rory Rieger, Clinical Director at Ritter Center. "This effort highlights the importance of meeting people where they are—both physically and emotionally—to provide compassionate, accessible support that empowers them to take the next step toward recovery.”

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