New economics report spotlights need to grow Coachella Valley's healthcare workforce & services
The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation recently engaged with Coachella Valley Economic Partnership to help quantify the economic impact of the valley's need for additional healthcare professionals and services.
Using the District & Foundation's 2023 community clinical and social needs assessment as a starting point, the new study was conducted by Dr. Darren Filson of the Randall Lewis Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with the support of Dr. Manfred Keil of Claremont McKenna College, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership Director of Analytic Services David Robinson, and District & Foundation staff.
Robinson presented a report based on the study to the District & Foundation Board at its monthly meeting Tuesday, April 22.
Highlights from his report include two staffing models designed to help fill a gap of 181 primary physicians, 36 psychiatrists, and 46 surgery specialists who are needed in the valley. The report also features three maps that show options of where to locate future health clinics to effectively serve "high-risk communities" in medically underserved areas.
"The study provides further evidence that a lack of medical and healthcare personnel in the Coachella Valley has far-reaching impacts on not only our individual residents' health, but on the economic well-being of our community as a whole," said Chris Christensen, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO. "It is imperative for city and elected leaders to join medical and educational organizations in creating opportunities and resources to develop, attract and retain healthcare providers and the supporting businesses the valley needs."
The study and subsequent report reflect the District & Foundation's commitment to help build a robust medical and healthcare workforce in the Coachella Valley through a variety of ways.
While recruitment is an essential tool for growing the medical community, the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, OneFuture Coachella Valley, and other partners also are investing funds to create educational pathways for local students to establish thriving health careers in the desert.
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.