Healthy Desert Healthy You

Desert Healthcare District & Foundation
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, based in Palm Springs, CA, produces Healthy Desert Healthy You as part of a regional health and wellness educational outreach campaign for residents in the Coachella Valley desert communities of Southern California. The program features interviews with a variety of people who are stakeholders in the physical, mental and environmental wellness of the areas residents. More information is available at www.dhcd.org and www.healthydeserthealthyyou.com. The podcast is hosted by Will Dean, Director of Communications, at the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation.

  1. Sep 3

    Sarah Fry, Acting Dean | COD Nursing Program | Growing the Coachella Valley’s Nursing Workforce

    College of the Desert is expanding its nursing pipeline to meet the Coachella Valley’s growing healthcare workforce needs. Host Will Dean talks with Sarah Fry, Acting Dean of Mathematics and Sciences and Director of Nursing and Allied Health, about the college’s CNA, LVN, RN, and advanced placement pathways; rapid enrollment growth; and strong local graduate retention. Fry explains how community partnerships and the Healthcare Workforce Leadership Roundtable helped more than double RN admissions, while scholarships support students through a demanding program. They also discuss changing nursing roles, clinical judgment, technology, career exploration, dual enrollment, high school health academies, workforce retention, and the importance of collaboration among educators, employers, and community organizations. Fry also previews her participation in the 2026 Healthy Desert Healthy You Summit together. Takeaways: Nursing enrollment has more than doubled.Ninety percent of graduates stay locally.Local partnerships strengthen healthcare workforce development.Scholarships help nursing students remain focused.Nursing increasingly requires strong clinical judgment.Dual enrollment creates earlier healthcare pathways.Retention matters as much as recruitment.Collaboration builds a sustainable workforce pipeline. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #SarahFry #NursingEducation #CollegeOfTheDesert #HealthcareAcademy #HealthyDesertHealthyYou2026Summit #HealthcareWorkforce #NursingWorkforce #CoachellaValley #RegisteredNurses #NursingCareers #HealthcareCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #ClinicalJudgment #DualEnrollment #HealthcarePartnerships #CommunityHealthcare

    Sarah Fry, Acting Dean | COD Nursing Program | Growing the Coachella Valley’s Nursing Workforce

  2. Aug 20

    Seham Saba, Riverside Latino Commission | Early Intervention Builds Stronger Youth Mental Health

    Seham Saba, Head of Mental Health Services at the Riverside Latino Commission, joins host Will Dean to discuss the changing mental health needs of families and youth across the Coachella Valley. Saba explains why culturally responsive, bilingual care builds trust and improves access to treatment, while examining rising anxiety, depression, isolation, immigration-related fears, social media pressures, substance use, and family trauma. She shares warning signs parents should recognize and emphasizes seeking support before challenges become crises. The conversation also explores the need to grow and retain a local behavioral health workforce by introducing young people to mental health careers. Saba also previews her participation in the 2026 Healthy Desert Healthy You Summit and its focus on prevention and community-based youth support systems. Takeaways: Culturally responsive care strengthens trust and access.Early intervention can prevent mental health crises.Immigration fears increase anxiety and social isolation.Social media challenges youth self-esteem and identity.Parents should watch for unusual behavioral changes.Same-day mental health support can make differences.Local talent can strengthen behavioral health workforce.Open conversations help reduce mental health stigma. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #SehamSaba #RiversideLatinoCommission #CoachellaValley #HealthyDesertHealthyYou2026Summit #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealth #EarlyIntervention #MentalHealthPrevention #CulturallyResponsiveCare #BehavioralHealth #CommunityBasedCare #MentalHealthWorkforce #BilingualMentalHealthCare #YouthWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityMentalHealth

    Seham Saba, Riverside Latino Commission | Early Intervention Builds Stronger Youth Mental Health

  3. Aug 13

    Ian Gabriel, Exec Director, Lift To Rise | Housing, Health and Hope Through Collective Action

    Ian Gabriel, Executive Director of Lift To Rise, joins Healthy Desert Healthy You host Will Dean to discuss the Coachella Valley’s affordable housing crisis and why stable housing is essential to community health. Gabriel explains how Lift To Rise and more than 70 regional partners are working toward 10,000 affordable housing units by 2028, while addressing funding gaps, infrastructure needs, homeownership, and resident leadership. He also explores the Housing First model, the connection between housing stability and better health outcomes, and why teachers, healthcare workers, hospitality employees, farmworkers, and other working families need affordable options. Gabriel previews his participation in the 2026 Healthy Desert Healthy You Summit and emphasizes that lasting progress requires coordinated action from residents, nonprofits, government, healthcare, funders, and the broader community, working together strategically. Takeaways: Affordable housing strengthens community health and stability.Lift To Rise targets 10,000 affordable homes.Housing costs burden many working Coachella Valley families.Housing First supports better long-term health outcomes.Funding barriers limit affordable housing development locally.Infrastructure remains essential for expanding housing opportunities.Resident leadership strengthens advocacy and community solutions.Regional collaboration can create lasting housing progress. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #IanGabriel #LiftToRise #BehavioralHealth #HealthyDesertHealthyYou2026Summit #AffordableHousing #CoachellaValley #HousingFirst #HousingStability #ResidentLeadership #HousingAffordability #HealthAndHousing #CommunityHealth #RegionalCollaboration #WorkforceHousing #Homeownership #HousingInfrastructure

    Ian Gabriel, Exec Director, Lift To Rise | Housing, Health and Hope Through Collective Action

  4. Aug 5

    Dr. Jill Hingston | Affirming Care, Connection and LGBTQ+ Mental Health

    Dr. Jill Hingston, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, joins host Will Dean to discuss affirming, trauma-informed behavioral healthcare across the Coachella Valley. She explains how the clinic serves children, adults, couples, seniors, and families navigating gender identity, relationships, grief, isolation, political stress, and minority stress. Dr. Hingston also addresses barriers including stigma, cost, cultural attitudes, and limited access, while highlighting sliding-scale care, insurance expansion, Spanish-speaking therapists, virtual services, support groups, and therapist training. The conversation explores parental support for transgender and gender-expansive youth, the value of community connection, and why people must “feel it to heal it.” Dr. Hingston also previews her youth mental health panel at the Healthy Desert Healthy You 2026 Summit on September 10, 2026. Takeaways: Affirming care supports LGBTQ+ people across generations.Parents increasingly seek guidance supporting gender-expansive children.Stigma and cost still limit behavioral healthcare.Minority stress shapes emotional and behavioral health.Group therapy builds lasting community and connection.Isolation affects both older and younger residents.Emotions must be felt before healing begins.Early intervention strengthens youth mental health outcomes. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #DrJillHingston #LGBTQCommunityCenterOfTheDesert #PalmSpringsLGBTQ #BehavioralHealth #HealthyDesertHealthyYou2026Summit #LGBTQBehavioralHealth #MentalHealthAccess #AffirmingCare #TraumaInformedCare #YouthMentalHealth #GenderAffirmingCare #MinorityStress #CommunityConnection #MentalHealthStigma #CoachellaValleyHealth #EarlyIntervention

    Dr. Jill Hingston | Affirming Care, Connection and LGBTQ+ Mental Health

  5. Jul 29

    Mihai Patru, Blue Zones Project PS | Building Healthier Communities Through Blue Zones Strategies

    Blue Zones Project Palm Springs Executive Director Mihai Patru joins Will Dean on this episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You to explain how the internationally recognized Blue Zones model is helping transform Palm Springs into a healthier community. Petru discusses the initiative's three pillars—people, places, and policy—and how they work together to make healthy choices easier for residents. The conversation explores partnerships with schools, employers, restaurants, nonprofits, and city leaders to improve well-being through healthier food options, community gardens, workplace wellness, walkability, and thoughtful public policy. Petru also shares why small, sustainable changes often have the greatest long-term impact, how residents can become involved, and why community ownership is essential to success. Learn how Palm Springs is working toward Blue Zones certification in 2028 and what that means for healthier, longer lives for everyone. Takeaways: Blue Zones Project Palm Springs is working toward community certification by 2028.The initiative focuses on three pillars: people, places, and policy.Small, sustainable lifestyle improvements create meaningful long-term health benefits.Partnerships with schools, employers, restaurants, nonprofits, and local government drive community wellness.Workplace well-being improves employee satisfaction, retention, and overall health.Community gardens, healthy food access, and natural movement are central to the Blue Zones approach.Residents play a critical role by participating in events and helping shape local strategies.Palm Springs is building a community where healthy choices become the easiest choices. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #MihaiPatru #BlueZonesProjectPalmSprings #HealthyDesertHealthyYou2026Summit #BlueZones #PalmSprings #HealthyLiving #WellBeing #PublicHealth #HealthyCommunities #WorkplaceWellness #CommunityEngagement #HealthyChoices #PreventiveHealth #Nutrition #ActiveLiving #HealthEquity

    Mihai Patru, Blue Zones Project PS | Building Healthier Communities Through Blue Zones Strategies

  6. Jul 9

    Jas Minkel, Guest | Tai Chi Builds Balance, Stability, and Lifelong Wellness

    Tai Chi has been practiced for centuries, but its health benefits are finding a new audience today. Healthy Desert Healthy You host Will Dean welcomes Sifu Jas Minkel of Tai Chi Circle of the Desert to explore the history of Tai Chi, its roots as a martial art, and why it has become a powerful tool for healthy aging. Jas shares his personal journey into Tai Chi, explains how consistent practice improves balance, flexibility, body awareness, and mental focus, and discusses the science behind developing lasting movement patterns. Listeners will also learn about beginner-friendly classes, mindful Tai Chi walking, chair Tai Chi, and free community opportunities at Sunnylands. Whether you're looking to improve stability, reduce fall risk, or simply move with greater confidence, this episode offers valuable insight. Takeaways: Tai Chi originated as a martial art and has centuries of history connected to longevity and wellness.Consistent Tai Chi practice improves balance, stability, and body awareness.Flexibility and coordinated movement can be maintained through regular practice at any age.Mindful movement helps reduce stress while strengthening the mind-body connection.Repetition develops muscle memory through changes in the brain's motor coordination.Chair Tai Chi and mindful Tai Chi walking make the practice accessible for beginners and those with mobility challenges.Daily practice—even just five to ten minutes—can produce meaningful long-term benefits.Free community Tai Chi classes at Sunnylands provide an excellent opportunity to learn and practice. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #JasMinkel #Sifu #TaiChiCircleOfTheDesert #TaiChi #HealthyAging #Balance #FallPrevention #Flexibility #MindBodyConnection #Longevity #Wellness #ActiveLiving #MindfulMovement #Qigong #DesertHealth #Podcast

    Jas Minkel, Guest | Tai Chi Builds Balance, Stability, and Lifelong Wellness

  7. Jul 2

    Inside the Desert Healthcare District’s New Strategic Vision with Sophie Blondeau & Kraig Johnson

    Host Will Dean welcomes Sophie Blondeau, Chief Strategy Officer at Sowen, and Kraig Johnson, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service of the Desert, for an in-depth discussion of the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation's newly adopted five-year strategic plan. Together, they explore how the plan strengthens healthcare workforce development, expands access to care, addresses social determinants of health, and uses data to measure meaningful community impact. Sophie explains the planning process, the importance of collaboration, and the District's evolution from a funding organization to a health system amplifier. Kraig offers the perspective of a longtime nonprofit partner, emphasizing innovation, equity, and community partnerships. The conversation also covers grant funding, implementation timelines, accountability, and why stronger public awareness will be essential to achieving healthier outcomes across the Coachella Valley. Takeaways: • The new five-year strategic plan provides a focused roadmap for the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation's future.• Healthcare workforce development and improved access remain foundational priorities.• Social determinants of health are now a central strategic pillar guiding future investments.• Data-driven decision-making will measure outcomes, improve accountability, and inform future actions.• The District is evolving from primarily a grantmaker into a collaborative health system amplifier.• Community collaboration and nonprofit partnerships were essential throughout the planning process.• A $10 million grant budget for FY 2026–2027 supports expanded community investment.• Increasing public awareness of the District's work is critical to maximizing community impact. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #SophieBlondeau #KraigJohnson #Sowen #JFSDesert #StrategicPlan #CoachellaValley #HealthcareLeadership #HealthcareAccess #HealthEquity #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #CommunityPartnerships #NonprofitLeadership #PublicHealth #DataDriven #HealthcareInnovation #CommunityImpact

    Inside the Desert Healthcare District’s New Strategic Vision with Sophie Blondeau & Kraig Johnson

  8. Jun 10

    Anyse Smith, Attorney | A Champion of Health Equity and Access In The Coachella Valley

    On this episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You, host Will Dean welcomes Anyse Smith, attorney, nonprofit legal advocate, and the newest member of the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board of Directors. Smith shares her remarkable journey from working with unhoused individuals at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission to becoming an attorney dedicated to expanding access to justice for vulnerable populations. She discusses her family's healthcare background, her commitment to health equity, and why she chose to serve on the District Board. The conversation explores the District’s new community-informed strategic plan, the social determinants of health, housing affordability, healthcare access, and the realities facing underserved residents across the Coachella Valley. Smith also reflects on recovery, resilience, and the power of community support. Takeaways: Anyse Smith comes from a family of healthcare professionals and developed an early appreciation for healthcare service.Her experience working with unhoused residents inspired her to attend law school and pursue nonprofit legal aid.Smith believes everyone has a role to play in solving community challenges through collaboration.She joined the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board because of its commitment to healthcare access and equity.The District’s new strategic plan was shaped directly by extensive community engagement and feedback.Housing affordability, transportation, food insecurity, and healthcare access are deeply interconnected.Smith highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health to improve quality of life.Her personal recovery journey continues to inspire her advocacy, leadership, and service to others. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #AnyseSmith #HealthEquity #HealthcareAccess #CoachellaValley #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #CommunityHealth #PublicHealth #HealthLeadership #NonprofitLeadership #LegalAid #HousingJustice #RecoveryJourney #HealthSystemAmplifier #CommunityVoices #HealthAdvocacy #DesertCommunities

    Anyse Smith, Attorney | A Champion of Health Equity and Access In The Coachella Valley
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About

The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, based in Palm Springs, CA, produces Healthy Desert Healthy You as part of a regional health and wellness educational outreach campaign for residents in the Coachella Valley desert communities of Southern California. The program features interviews with a variety of people who are stakeholders in the physical, mental and environmental wellness of the areas residents. More information is available at www.dhcd.org and www.healthydeserthealthyyou.com. The podcast is hosted by Will Dean, Director of Communications, at the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation.

Information

  • Creator
    Desert Healthcare District & Foundation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Desert Healthcare District & Foundation
  • Show Website
    Healthy Desert Healthy You