Fired CEO Files Claim Against DHCD

Fired CEO of Desert Healthcare District Files Claim Against Healthcare Behemoth

PALM SPRINGS — Chris Christensen, the most recently fired CEO of the Desert Healthcare District, has filed a claim against the District seeking damages for firing him on May 26,

“They fired me in retaliation for speaking out at a public meeting for not receiving my performance evaluation,” Christensen told Uken Report.

A claim is the first step in filing a lawsuit against the government. The Desert Healthcare District is a local government agency.

As a result of the conduct described in the complaint, Christensen has suffered and continues to suffer substantial damages, including economic damages in the form of lost income and benefits, as well as emotional damages, including
symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, loneliness, fear, posttraumatic stress, guilt, and more, according to the complaint.

The amount of damages to date exceeds $10,000 and jurisdiction over this claim rests in California superior court and/or federal district court. according to his claim that Uken Report obtained through a public records request.

The Board of Directors of the Healthcare District rejected his claim at their regular meeting on Sept. 22. He has six months from the date of the rejection to file a lawsuit.

Christensen was the second CEO fired in less than three years.   .

Dr. Conrado Bárzaga was relieved of his duties as CEO of the Desert Healthcare District in September 2023,