Community Listening Forum: La Quinta
With a small audience, we were given the opportunity to have a focused, in-depth talk and enhance our knowledge around priorities for the physically disabled population.
Homelessness:
· With La Quinta’s close proximity to Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and Martha’s Village and Kitchen, they are able to mitigate their homeless problem and connect individuals quickly
· The appearance of La Quinta might deter people from being homeless in the city
· The community is more focused on the at-risk (1-2 months) homeless
· Those suffering from a physical disability are precariously housed as many reside with their parents - They find it difficult to transition into individual housing under SSI
· There is no financial assistance for infrastructure improvements for the disabled
Primary Care and Behavioral Health Access:
· Even with insurance, there is a limited ability to get adaptable equipment
o Challenges to navigating the system – increased outreach efforts to connect individuals to organizations that can teach them how to navigate the complex healthcare system
o Even the rehab coverage is limited – this needs to be ongoing, it cannot just stop
· Limited services to serve the physically disabled in the community (specifically, neurology and nephrology)
o Most people must travel to Loma Linda which is expensive, time-consuming, and difficult for a disabled child/adult
o Often parents skip appointments because of the travel
· There are no hearing services available in the Coachella Valley covered by California Children Services
· The Indio center is starting to bring in services but too slowly – nothing around amputation assistance
o It is not financially viable for a children’s hospital – not enough demand
o With a huge increase in individuals suffering from diabetes, we are going to see an increase in amputations – how can we prepare for this?
· How can be address the gaps in services for the physically disabled?
o Bring in monthly sub-specialty rotation services
o Research/survey for the greatest need and what services could provide the greatest impact
o Sub-specialty care for veterans – Loma Linda is too far
· A Loma Linda expansion in the Coachella Valley has been in the works for a while – what are they waiting for?
o Building up the influx, contract slowed things down, there needs to be community support
· Increased behavioral health access is essential for the physically disabled
o Individuals need to be linked to health professionals that have gone through similar experiences – they interact better with those that can relate to directly (peer power)
o SPINAL TAP works on service connection for the physically disabled – but not many are familiar with their work
· Overall, there is a lot more focus on the developmentally disabled than the physically disabled
· There needs to be a way to connect organizations like the Desert Ability Center with doctors/therapists to build collaboration
Healthy Eating, Active Living:
· There is not one gym facility that can meet the complete needs to serve the physically disabled population (ramps, adaptable workout equipment)
o There might be an opportunity with Desert Rec. à currently, they are working to identify the needs/gaps for a new center
§ Maybe, this center can target the physically disabled, but we would have to establish a demand
· A need for trained individuals – in the gyms, community centers
· There would need to be increased capacity to recruit individuals for targeted activities – outreach work
· Need increased opportunities during seasonal challenges - more bikes and handcycles inside and facilities to support indoor activities like tennis
o Can we find a crossover with other populations (I.E. seniors) to create enough demand?
o Target programs in senior developments – do they take advantage of those that are offered?
· Increased access to CV Link and additional connectors
· Utilized La Quinta Culinary School and the shared kitchen concept to increase opportunities to learn about healthy eating
Other Ideas:
· There is a lack of data around the physically disabled population (amputations, etc.)
o Is this documented anywhere? OSHPOD
· Increase transportation routes – CV Link/SunLine, no other means to get around
· Plug-in stations for golf carts
· Inter-generational programs: activities, events especially around nutrition
o More opportunities to get the family together and out of the house
· Bike lane challenges – they are available, but bicyclists are not abiding by the law
o More bike racks
· What is the impact of large festivals (I.E. Coachella and Stagecoach) on residents?
o Do they avoid emergency departments?
· The need for focus groups targeting specific populations with a more residential perspective
o Ex. Caretakers, trauma-impacted families
Ranking of priorities from La Quinta participants [please note not everyone returned the ranking sheet]:
- Primary Care/Behavioral Health access
- Healthy Eating, Active Living
- Homelessness
- Other Ideas