Vote planned to expand Desert Healthcare District into East Valley
The Riverside County Supervisors have given the thumbs up to the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation to expand into the East Valley, with a measure going in front of the Coachella Valley voters in November.
According to DHCD, the Board’s unanimous vote on an expansion-related resolution paves the way for a hearing at the Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission on April 26 and a vote of Eastern Coachella Valley residents by ballot initiative on November 6. “We applaud the strong leadership of Supervisor Perez and are appreciative of the support of all Board Members in securing the passage of this critically important resolution,” said Carole Rogers, DHCD Vice-President.
The effort was lead in the county by Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez, “Grassroots organizations, community health centers and residents of the eastern Coachella Valley have been organizing for 20 years to expand the Desert Healthcare District into the eastern Coachella Valley,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “Today’s unanimous vote of support by my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors is a giant, historic step in addressing health care disparities in our disadvantaged, medically underserved communities, and ensuring these residents have a voice and representation in health care. I am very pleased that we reached consensus to move this important initiative forward for our community.”
Eastern Coachella Valley residents will have the opportunity to not only become a part of the District but represent themselves in addressing the significant health disparities that exist there when they go to the polls on November 6th.
“We greatly appreciate the work of passionate and dedicated residents, and community leaders and organizations in the Eastern Coachella Valley who have been tirelessly working on these issues throughout the initiative to expand the District that came from them, not from us,” said Dr. Les Zendle, DHCD/F Board President.
The Healthcare District says if an expansion initiative is successful on the November 6 ballot, the DHCD/F can partner with residents, community-based and provider organizations, the County, and local governments that seek to improve health and wellness programs and services for the residents of the Eastern Coachella Valley — just as it has been done for 70 years in the West Valley.
“Although the current boundary of the DHCD/F is Cook Street, many people who live on one side of Cook — work, eat, play and seek healthcare on the other side of Cook. Future progress in the Coachella Valley depends on initiatives that treat us as One Coachella Valley,” added Zendle.
