Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas and Wife Cut Ribbon on the Avis & Mark Ridley-Thomas Wellness Center

September 16, 2021 | lafocus | Top Stories | 1 Comment

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In his more than three decades in elected office, Mark Ridley-Thomas—as County Supervisor, California State Asssemblyman, State Senator and now District 10 City Councilman—has made an indelible mark on the countless issues that have impacted L.A. County, from leading efforts to address the homelessness crisis and supporting the development of thousands of affordable housing units; to investing in both the physical and intellectual infrastructure needed to elevate underserved communities.

Today, Councilmember Ridley-Thomas and his wife Avis—who founded the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Dispute Resolution Program and the Institute for Nonviolence in Los Angeles—were honored for their years of public service at a luncheon held on the campus of the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

“This is an idea sparked by Councilmember Ridley-Thomas that is emblematic of his dedication to all of his constituents,” said Charles R. Drew University CEO David M. Carlisle. “The Councilmember and Mrs. Ridley-Thomas—together with Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science—have been change agents for Willowbrook and surrounding communities for decades. So, it is very fitting that a building on our campus dedicated to improving health outcomes for students in underserved populations for decades to come will bear the Ridley-Thomas name.”

The luncheon featured a dialogue among Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, Ms. Avis Ridley-Thomas, Congresswoman Karen Bass, and Professor Cornel West, moderated by ABC7 Eyewitness News co-anchor Marc Brown. Special guests included Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Reverend James Lawson and Councilmember Curren Price.

Said Price, “This is a tremendous honor, not only for him and his family, but for the community. I understand there’s not a facility like this between here and Hollywood providing comprehensive health — that will be an anchor providing a continuum of health care with Drew as a partner.”

For Congresswoman Karen Bass it was an opportunity for everyone to “just sit back and take a moment of reflection at an unbelievable career. All of the things that he’s accomplished, you can literally drive around town and see.”

Supervisor Holly Mitchell echoed those sentiments.

“Thirty years of service to this community is phenomenal and I am proud that we are giving he and Avis their flowers while they can appreciate them. It’s important for us to do to acknowledge the hard work of our community icons.”

The highlight of the afternoon was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newest facility on the CDU campus, designed to provide health and behavioral health services to students, and to be named in honor of Avis and Mark Ridley-Thomas.

The Avis and Mark Ridley-Thomas Wellness Center will provide urgent care, mental health counseling, and wellness programs to CDU students, faculty, and staff within the 10,000 square foot facility. It will include counseling services that promote student success and emotional well-being through skilled and culturally sensitive clinical services, outreach, and consultation to the CDU community and is expected to serve 5,000 local area residents annually.

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September 16, 2021 | lafocus | Top Stories | 1 Comment

Comment

Curtis Robinson

September 18, 2021 at 12:50 pm

As a resident of Mark Ridley Thomas Supervisors district, and now his councils duties,he continues his concern for improving the lifestyle for all citizens.Keep on making changes!

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Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas and Wife Cut Ribbon on the Avis & Mark Ridley-Thomas Wellness Center

September 16, 2021 | lafocus | Top Stories | 1 Comment

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