Robert Whitaker, CEO of Gila Regional Medical Center, Silver City -- Mental health is the focus of the Silver City Museum's next "community conversation," which features Robert Whitaker, CEO of Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC), who will discuss the hospital's Integrated Behavioral Health Care Clinic, led by Teresa Arizaga, MD, psychiatry. Arizaga is the former head of mental health services at Hidalgo Medical Services.
This is a great opportunity to learn about progress and challenges related to the expansion of mental health services in the community. The event is free, and will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12, from noon to 1 p.m. in the ABC Room of the Global Resource Center on the campus of WNMU.
"Gila Regional Medical Services is excited to work with community partners to address mental health issues in Southwest New Mexico," said Whitaker. "We're very happy to help and participate."
Whitaker is known as a transformational health care leader, and joined GRMC as CEO in 2023. A native of Houston, Texas, he began his career in petrochemical facilities, working in construction, maintenance, and plant operations before answering his calling to health care with Christus Health.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from the University of Houston, as well as a Master of Public Health from Yale University. A proud veteran, Whitaker served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for 11 years.
Over the course of his career, Whitaker has led within both large health systems and small independent hospitals. He also serves as board chair of the New Mexico Rural Hospital Network, and is a board member for New Mexico Health Resources and NM Hospital Services Corporation.
He has been married to his wife, Amy, for 26 years, and together they have five children. An avid outdoorsman and lifelong learner, Whitaker has completed two triathlons, and enjoys exploring New Mexico's landscapes with his family.
This is the final community conversation until spring, and is part of a series inspired by the museum's main exhibit, "Healers & Heroines: Women and the Shaping of Local Health Care." Other community conversation topics discussed in the series included activism in health care, identity and healing, herbalism and health, and wellness for women at every stage and age of life.
The Silver City Museum's Community Conversation Series is presented in partnership with Western Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL). To attend via Zoom, use the following link: https://wnmu.zoom.us/j/8818268280 .
For more information, please contact Brittany Beers, community engagement manager, at (575) 597-0230, or
The Silver City Museum serves Grant County residents and visitors, using authentic records of the region's multicultural past to foster informed perspectives on the present. The museum is nationally recognized through its accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
Museum admission is free, though a suggested donation of $5 helps support the museum's education programs, collections care and exhibitions. For more information, to donate or learn of volunteer opportunities, please visit www.silvercitymuseum.org, or call (575) 589- 0221.
