Access to healthcare services and facilities is a persistent challenge for many Coachella Valley residents. Traditionally underserved communities often lack reliable transportation, time off from work, and opportunities to seek the help they need.

The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation recognized these barriers to health equity early on during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborating with community-based, faith-based, governmental and other partners, the agency responded by bringing free COVID-19 tests, vaccines and educational resources to residents where they live, work and worship.

On May 25, 2021, the District and Foundation Board allocated $336,500 to purchase a mobile unit to support community partners in delivering medical services to areas of need beyond the pandemic. The Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District contributed $175,000 toward the purchase of the mobile unit. The District and Foundation now seeks vendor(s) through a Request for Proposals ("RFP") to operate the medical mobile unit in the Coachella Valley. The selected vendor will be responsible for:

  • Licensing, managing, and operating the medical mobile unit.
  • Providing ongoing medical and health education programs and services in medically underserved areas and rural communities of the Coachella Valley.
  • Establishing partnerships with other healthcare providers to increase the utilization and reach of the mobile medical unit.

The mobile unit will be equipped to provide health screenings, preventive medical services, basic medical services, health education, medical consultations, and telemedicine. 

To learn more, please read the complete RFP. The deadline to submit a proposal is 5 p.m. April 29, 2022. Please direct questions related to the RFP to Alejandro Espinoza, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation chief of community engagement, at aespinoza@dhcd.org.

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.