DESERT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT GIVES MUCH-NEEDED FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO LOCAL FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS

April 17, 2020 (San Diego, Calif.) – Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) nationwide have experienced tremendous financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of a significant decline in patient visits for non-essential medical services, a scarcity of PPE and medical equipment for frontline providers, and the same uncertainties that all businesses face regarding our nation’s economy and future. In light of these realities, Coachella Valley FQHCs have been fortunate to garner financial support from local businesses and organizations, in their ongoing efforts to safeguard the health and welfare of the communities they serve.

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One such organization, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, recently granted three local FQHCs – Borrego Health, Desert AIDS Project (DAP), and Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo - $350,000 to enable them to purchase COVID-19 rapid test kits. These FQHCs are working collaboratively to build capacity for rapid testing for COVID-19 in the Eastern Coachella Valley. The Desert Healthcare District’s Board of Directors also voted to approve an additional $450,000 of funding for the three Community Health Centers, to help bolster their core operational budgets.

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“I am deeply grateful to the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation for this critical and timely financial support. Not only will these monies help us keep our doors open, they also serve as a reminder of the incredible partnerships we’ve established within the communities we serve” said Mikia Wallis, Borrego Health’s CEO.

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“It is absolutely encouraging to know that we have such great partners in the community supporting Clinicas in our mission of providing medical care access to those that need it the most.  The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation’s financial contribution is an incredible shot-in-the-arm for Clinicas during this crisis we all have been fighting. We are profoundly thankful for their generosity” said Yvonne Bell, CEO of Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo.

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“This funding enables DAP to respond to this health crisis as we remain true to our mission to promote the health and well-being of our community,” said David Brinkman, DAP’s CEO. “We are so grateful to the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation for their generous support as our health care workers serve on the front lines against the spread of COVID-19 and as we keep 7,000 clients in care.”