Free 'Healthy Desert, Healthy You' Summit Takes Place This Week In Rancho Mirage

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA — The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation will host its third annual summit focusing on critical social determinants of health Thursday at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage.

The free "Healthy Desert, Healthy You" summit will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 41000 Bob Hope Drive.

Although previous summits have focused on environmental health, this year's discussions will focus on healthcare access, behavioral health, workforce development and housing after community members and stakeholders voiced their concerns to expand conversations beyond environmental issues, officials said.

"The challenges associated with these issues are complex, and no single organization can solve them alone. Meaningful progress requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines, with the District and Foundation's leadership and support," Kimberly Barraza, the agency's board president, said in a statement.

Participating speakers will include Martha's Village and Kitchen Chief Programs Officer Espy Ortiz, DAP Health Housing Programs Director Monica Aitchison, Sheila Thornton, executive director at One Future Coachella Valley, Dr. Victor Cisneros, chief community health officer at Eisenhower Health, and keynote speaker Dr. Angelica Geter.

Additionally, several panel discussions will be moderated by local valley journalists, including Thalia Hayden of NBC Palm Springs, Kendall Balchan of the Palm Springs Post, Patrick Evans of KESQ and Hernan Quintas of KUNA Telemundo 15.

Attendees will have the opportunity to receive free flu and COVID vaccines courtesy of the district, in partnership with Coachella Valley Pharmacy.

"The summit takes place less than two weeks before fall begins on Sept. 22, which is a good time for our guests who want vaccines to receive them," Donna Craig, interim CEO at Desert Healthcare District and Foundation, said in a statement.