New District Grants Provide $1.2 Million in Support for Behavioral Health, MPX Response and More

The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board on Tuesday, Sept. 27 approved four grants totaling $1,229,268 that will help in the MPX response and more.

As of Sept. 22, the most recent data available, there have been 4,886 reported probable and confirmed monkeypox cases in California. Riverside County, with 269 cases, at that time had the fourth highest number of cases. Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego ranked Nos. one, two and three respectively.

The funds will provide support for a variety of healthcare services in the Coachella Valley, including those offered through a new mobile clinic the District is purchasing.

Here are the grant awards:

DAP Health, $586,727 – This grant will fund DAP Health’s ongoing response to monkeypox (MPX) in the valley, which is seeing an increase in cases. Riverside County Public Health has declared MPX to be a local public health emergency.

DPMG Health, $500,000 – This contract covers Desert Physicians Medical Group Health’s (DPMG) budget over three years to operate a 26-foot mobile medical unit. The unit includes two examination rooms and a full restroom. DPMG plans to have the mobile unit licensed and staffed for a December 2022 launch.

Joslyn Wellness Center, $85,000 – The grant supports a multifaceted approach to optimizing mental health in older adults by combining behavioral health, healthy aging, memory and exercise. It serves residents who are age 60 and up who are living at or below 250% of the poverty level.

JFK Memorial Foundation, $57,541 – The grant supports behavioral health awareness and education for families who have children aged 18 and younger and who are enrolled in the certified JFK SafeCare In-Home Parent-Training Program.

Learn more about the grants program by clicking here.

 

About the Desert Healthcare District and 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.

Image Sources

  • Money under the Door: Pixaby