DHCD awards $261k in grants for food security, Alzheimer’s and family support programs

Formed in 1948, the Desert Healthcare District is a local government agency with a mission to help all District residents achieve optimal health at all stages of life. Together, the District and Desert Healthcare Foundation are one of the largest funders in the Coachella Valley, awarding grants in five funding strategic areas: health care infrastructure and services; behavioral and mental health; homelessness; services to people with chronic conditions and economic protection, recovery and food security.

© Louis Falzarano, Special to The Desert Sun
The Joslyn Center offers a Lunch Bunch Quilters group every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon.

At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 26, the seven-member Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board approved three new grants and extended an existing one, committing $261,826 to services and programs that benefit valley residents.

The grants include $33,264 to the Alzheimer’s Association, $119,432 to Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House and $109,130 to Cove Communities Senior Association, doing business as The Joslyn Center.

In addition, the board also unanimously voted in support of a seven-month, no-cost grant extension for the City of Palm Springs. An initial $225,000 grant was awarded in December 2019 to support mental health crisis teams and wrap-around services for residents affected by homelessness. While the extension does not award additional funds, it continues the grant from Nov. 20, 2020, to June 30, 2021.

“The grants our board approved in January are a true reflection of the District’s valley-wide mission to ensure optimal health at all stages of life for all District residents,” said Conrado Bárzaga, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation CEO. “Since early 2020, our main focus has been working with Riverside County and community-based partners to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure equitable access to health care resources for the most vulnerable district residents, including farmworkers. Through these efforts, many residents gain access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines. However, the District remains deeply committed to supporting the work of valley nonprofits in advancing health and wellness through our grants program.”

For more information about Desert Healthcare District and Foundation, visit dhcd.org or email [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: DHCD awards $261k in grants for food security, Alzheimer’s and family support programs