Desert Healthcare District grants aim to expand valley healthcare workforce & support for vulnerable residents

Two rows of College of the Desert registered nursing students standing and facing the camera, with agency CEO Chris Christensen, CPO Donna Craig and a female college official standing in the back row with two students.

January 2, 2025 - District Staff

Two grants that align with the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation's commitment to increase access to healthcare will go into effect this month.

At its Dec. 17 meeting, the Board awarded $514,395 in total funds to a Coachella Valley educational consultant and a human services organization:

Desert Arc: $139,495 (Grant #1476). This nonprofit's health care program provides comprehensive primary and specialty care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The one-year grant helps fund a second licensed vocational nurse, the nurses' travel between Desert Arc locations and during emergency responses, a board-certified behavior analyst, and the purchase of two adjustable medical beds and three wheelchairs. It aligns with District & Foundation Strategic Plan Goals 2 and 3. Learn more about Desert Arc.

OneFuture Coachella Valley: $374,900 (Grant #1485). With the goal of expanding College of the Desert's associate degree in nursing program, this nonprofit recently launched the Healthcare Workforce Leadership Roundtable with the funding support of Desert Care Network/Tenet, Eisenhower Health, Inland Empire Health Plan, and the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation. Following the enrollment of 35 registered nursing students in August, the two-year grant supports an additional 35 RN students this month with scholarships and holistic services. It aligns with District & Foundation Strategic Plan Goal 2. Learn more about OneFuture Coachella Valley.

"Our December grant awards are significant because they exemplify a two-pronged approach to addressing healthcare," said Chris Christensen, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO. "While one grant focuses on ensuring that residents can access care, the other grant funds building the future workforce that's needed to provide the necessary healthcare services and programs."

Also at the December Board meeting, the Board approved five environmental health grants totaling $997,353 in support of its September Request for Proposals, Mitigating Air Quality-Related Health Conditions: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management.

About the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation

The Desert Healthcare District is a local government agency formed in 1948. Its mission is to achieve optimal health at all stages of life for all District residents. The District includes more than 400,000 residents and encompasses the entire Coachella Valley. The District and Desert Healthcare Foundation, together, are one of the largest funders in the valley. These funds are used to assist residents — especially the underserved — in accessing vitally needed resources, such as primary and behavioral healthcare. Learn more.