CEO Statement
District funds committed to date:The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board took a significant step Tuesday, July 26, approving $1,175,817 in grants for behavioral health programs and services in the Coachella Valley.
The action follows the Healthcare District's release of a Request for Proposals on May 2, which emphasized identifying and addressing the behavioral health needs of valley children (0 to 18 years old) and their families. The grantees, which range from schools to a homeless shelter, propose to use the funds to provide ongoing and new services that aim to expand community access to behavioral/mental health services.
These grants are expected to be the first round of funding awarded to improve access to behavioral healthcare. Contracts are scheduled to begin August 1.
"Behavioral healthcare has always been an important part of the overall health and wellness of residents at every age, and it is especially important at this time for children and young adults affected by the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic, social media, and other challenges they face," said Dr. Conrado Bárzaga, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation CEO. "These grants from the Healthcare District are a first step in helping Coachella Valley families to heal and move into a brighter, more hopeful future."
Learn which nonprofits received the first round of behavioral health grants.