Board honors Dr. Ruby Bayan and Waterfront Recovery on clinic founder’s retirement

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Ruby Bayan for her role as a co‑founder and medical/clinical director of Waterfront Recovery and for her contributions to substance-use and dual-diagnosis treatment in the county.

Supervisor Bone read the board’s resolution, which recounted Bayan’s work establishing Waterfront Recovery as the first dual‑diagnosis medical-model treatment center in Northern California (opening in 2017) and said the clinic had treated more than 2,500 clients. The resolution noted the clinic’s role addressing the rise of fentanyl in the community and praised Bayan’s training of other medical professionals in addiction and dual-diagnosis care.

Friends, staff and community leaders—including John Safford and Jeremy Campbell from Waterfront’s board and staff—addressed the supervisors, praising Bayan’s leadership and commitment. Jeremy Campbell described Waterfront as “one organization and one person that has championed a lot of good work for a lot of people that's made a difference,” and multiple speakers said they expected the program’s work to continue under successor leadership.

Supervisor Bone moved the resolution; the board approved it 4-0. Speakers included Dr. Bayan, who told supervisors and staff she intended that Waterfront continue its work serving people “with substance abuse and mental health” and thanked the board and community for the recognition.

Ending: The supervisors adjourned the recognition with thanks to Dr. Bayan and Waterfront’s staff for their ongoing community service.