New $236K grant supports sexual & reproductive health services in Coachella Valley

The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board approved on June 24 a one-year grant that aligns with its goal of expanding community access to specialty care services, awarding $236,555 to Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest.

The grant primarily will fund 50 percent of the salary of the organization's first Coachella Valley-based physician. The staff addition is expected to expand sexual and reproductive healthcare access, including among low-income and traditionally underserved patients across desert communities.

Planned Parenthood recognizes the valley as a high-need and high-demand region, and in recent years has increased efforts to remove barriers to access, streamline care, and improve community health outcomes. These efforts began in 2021 with a renovation and expansion of its Rancho Mirage health center, followed in 2024 with the hiring of an obstetrician-gynecologist, purchase of new equipment for diagnosis and treatment, and staff training to operate the equipment.

With the expertise of a new physician, funded in part by the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation grant, the Rancho Mirage clinic will provide consultations, screenings, diagnosis and treatment for a variety of healthcare needs.

"Through this grant, the District is also addressing a significant health-care challenge in the Coachella Valley," said Chris Christensen, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO. "It allows us to contribute to the healthcare workforce, which is experiencing a physician shortage that impacts overall health and wellness. Bringing on this one physician will enable a local facility to increase patient volume and offer a broad range of lifesaving services."

Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, which also has a location in Coachella, is committed to ensuring broad public access to reproductive and sexual healthcare through direct service, education, and advocacy. Learn more about the services it provides.

The District & Foundation has a year-round grants program that awards about $5 million each year to advance community wellness. Learn more about our grant opportunities and application process.

About the Desert Healthcare District & 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. Learn more.