Antelope Valley Hospital dedicated its mental health unit Tuesday in honor of Dr. John Beck, a longtime member of the hospital staff credited with starting the mental health unit in 1971.The dedication was made at a ceremony where Beck’s family, AVH leadership and local dignitaries highlighted his contributions to the community.The mental health unit, which has been in operation for 50 years, is comprised of psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, mental health technicians and licensed clinical social workers.“Since starting in 1971, the mental health unit has grown to include 30 beds, 35 professional staff and seven physicians to assist this vulnerable population,” Edward Mirzabegian, AVH’s chief executive, said in a statement. “Thousands of patients have been seen right here in the Antelope Valley, due to Dr. Beck’s vision for this (mental health) unit.”The ceremony was held on what would have been Beck’s 87th birthday. He died earlier this year.
Antelope Valley Hospital Dedicates Mental Health Unit to Deceased Doctor
