Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Advancing Community Health Across the Coachella Valley
Established in 1948, our organization is dedicated to achieving optimal health at all stages of life for Coachella Valley residents. We prioritize equitable access to health and wellness services through strategic grantmaking, community education, and partnerships. Our efforts focus on underserved populations, addressing critical needs in primary care, behavioral health, and preventive services. We own the Desert Regional Medical Center campus, leased to Tenet Healthcare, and fund initiatives that improve healthcare infrastructure and workforce development.Our board of elected directors oversees a $107 million investment in community health, guided by a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan. Through mobile clinics, wellness parks, and targeted grants, we strive to bridge gaps in healthcare access across the region. By collaborating with local institutions and policymakers, we address systemic challenges like environmental health disparities and workforce shortages, ensuring sustainable solutions for future generations.
Services
Healthcare Grants
Mobile Medical Clinics
Behavioral Health Programs
Wellness Park Services
Healthcare Workforce Development
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We have awarded over $107 million in grants since inception to support local healthcare initiatives.
- Our board includes healthcare professionals and policy experts with decades of regional experience.
- We operate the only five-acre Wellness Park in Palm Springs, promoting preventive health education.
- Our 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care addresses urgent behavioral health needs in the valley.
- We commission data-driven reports to inform healthcare infrastructure improvements and policy decisions.
Services
Healthcare Grants
We provide strategic funding opportunities for organizations advancing healthcare access in the Coachella Valley. Our grants prioritize underserved populations, supporting initiatives like primary care expansion, mental health services, and healthcare workforce development. By allocating over $107 million since 1948, we empower local nonprofits and institutions to address systemic health inequities.
Mobile Medical Clinics
Our mobile clinics deliver essential healthcare services to remote and underserved areas, focusing on women's health and preventive care. Partnering with local providers, we offer accessible screenings, vaccinations, and chronic disease management, ensuring residents receive care regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
Behavioral Health Programs
We address behavioral health disparities through grants and partnerships, funding prevention programs, crisis intervention, and culturally responsive care. Our initiatives include the Coachella Valley Behavioral Health Collective, which strengthens systems of care to improve long-term wellness outcomes for youth and families.
Wellness Park Services
The Desert Healthcare District Wellness Park offers therapeutic gardens, fitness stations, and educational resources to promote preventive health. This five-acre community space supports physical activity, mental well-being, and environmental learning, embodying our commitment to holistic wellness.
Healthcare Workforce Development
We invest in initiatives to alleviate healthcare workforce shortages, funding scholarships, training programs, and facility upgrades. By collaborating with local hospitals and educational institutions, we cultivate a skilled, sustainable workforce to meet the Coachella Valley's growing healthcare demands.
People
Carole Rogers
President - Zone 2
A registered nurse with over 45 years of healthcare experience, Carole Rogers has held executive roles at major medical centers and served on disaster relief missions. She focuses on improving healthcare access for underserved populations.
Greg Rodriguez
Vice-President - Zone 1
A nonprofit consultant and former political activist, Greg Rodriguez advocates for community health equity. He has served in education leadership roles and currently directs government affairs for Riverside County's housing department.
Daniel Logsdon
Treasurer - Zone 3
A cardiothoracic surgeon and community mentor, Dr. Logsdon specializes in arrhythmia surgery. He supports medical education initiatives and focuses on improving regional access to specialized cardiac care.
Leticia De Lara
Director - Zone 7
With over 25 years of public service, Leticia De Lara has held leadership roles in local government and nonprofits. She champions equitable healthcare policies and serves on boards addressing homelessness and chronic disease management.
Chris Christensen
Chief Executive Officer
Chris Christensen leads agency operations, focusing on strategic planning and community outreach. He oversees grant programs and initiatives to expand healthcare access, leveraging partnerships to address systemic health disparities in the Coachella Valley.
Questions
How does the Desert Healthcare District fund its initiatives?
We are funded through Riverside County property taxes, public/private donations, and lease revenue from Desert Regional Medical Center. Over $107 million has been awarded in grants since 1948.
What services do your mobile clinics provide?
Mobile clinics offer primary care, vaccinations, women's health services, and chronic disease management, focusing on underserved areas of the Coachella Valley.
How can organizations apply for grants?
Grant opportunities are announced on our website. Applications require detailed proposals addressing priority areas like behavioral health, healthcare access, and workforce development.
What is the Coachella Valley Behavioral Health Collective?
A collaborative initiative co-founded in 2023 to expand mental health resources, involving 38 organizations that address systemic barriers to behavioral healthcare access.
Do you offer community health education programs?
Yes, through the Wellness Park and partnerships, we provide preventive health resources, environmental education, and fitness programs open to all residents.
How does the District address healthcare workforce shortages?
We fund training programs, scholarships, and facility upgrades to develop a skilled workforce, collaborating with local hospitals and educational institutions to meet regional healthcare needs.