Desert Healthcare District Releases Annual Report

Annual Report Chockfull of Information You Will Want to Know

PALM SPRINGS —You’ve no doubt heard about the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, but how much do you really know about it?

For instance, did you know that last year the local agency awarded nearly $5 million to 22 nonprofit organizations that serve Coachella Valley residents?

Or that it funded and coordinated the delivery of medical services through its mobile clinics to 5,123 people during 234 visits to valley communities?

Were you aware that it launched in 2024 an annual community summit that brought together more than 300 residents, civic leaders, health professionals, experts and advocates to explore environmental health challenges and solutions?

These are just a few significant ways the District & Foundation activated its mission during fiscal year 2024-2025 to achieve optimal health at all stages of life for all District residents.

For an overview of the agency’s grant support, programs, initiatives, outreach and look ahead, please read our annual report.

“The 2024-2025 year was incredibly transformative for the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation,” said CEO Chris Christensen. “In addition to the tremendous achievements our Board and staff made to advance wellness in the Coachella Valley, the community’s support in 2024 for extending the lease of Desert Regional Medical Center and ultimately selling it to Tenet Healthcare set an exciting new course for our organization, community partners and residents.

“I encourage every resident to read the report and engage with the District & Foundation as we continue to identify health and wellness priorities over the next few months.”

Learn more about the strategic planning process.

More about the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation

The local government agency was formed in 1948 as a special district to build a hospital for the residents of what was then a remote city, Palm Springs and surrounding communities. Today, the District includes more 400,000 residents and encompasses the entire Coachella Valley. The District and Desert Healthcare Foundation, together, have awarded more than $100 million. These funds are used to assist residents — especially the underserved — in accessing vitally needed resources, such as primary and behavioral healthcare.

What is a special district?

A local government agency created by a community through state statute to deliver essential specialized services such as water, fire protection, transit, sanitation and healthcare. Funding for special districts varies and includes voter-approved assessments, property taxes, and rate charges. More than 40,000 special districts serve communities across the U.S.