Supervisor V. Manuel Perez expressed his opposition to the decision made by the Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors to terminate the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Conrado Bárzaga. In a statement, Supervisor Perez raised concerns about the lack of a clear reason for the change in Dr. Bárzaga's employment and emphasized the need to gather information to ensure it was based on performance rather than unfair reasons. He also expressed hope for a reversal of the decision by the Desert Healthcare District Board.
Supervisor Perez plans to write a letter to the District seeking clarification on the reason behind the decision. He highlighted Dr. Bárzaga's accomplishments during his tenure, stating, "Dr. Bárzaga helped the district serve the entire Coachella Valley, bring equity, and address health disparities and the crises of COVID-19, monkeypox, mental health, opioid overdose, and homelessness."
Dr. Bárzaga had held the CEO position for four years and was notably present at a special Board meeting on September 18, where discussions regarding Tenet Healthcare's proposed 30-year lease for Desert Regional Medical Center took place. The district board has designated Chris Christensen, the chief administration officer, as the interim CEO.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz has also voiced his opposition to the decision. Dr. Ruiz had been a strong supporter of many of Dr. Bárzaga's initiatives throughout his tenure, including their joint efforts to assist vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like Supervisor Perez, Dr. Ruiz is hopeful that the board members will reconsider their decision.
The Desert Healthcare District, established in 1948, is a local government entity with the goal of promoting optimal health for all residents in the Coachella Valley. The district serves a population exceeding 400,000 individuals and is funded through a portion of Riverside County property taxes collected within the Coachella Valley, as well as public and private contributions and lease income.
The Desert Healthcare District Board is scheduled to hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, during which Chris Christensen's interim appointment as CEO will be included as part of the consent agenda. Supervisor Perez and other stakeholders are eagerly waiting for the board to address the concerns raised and potentially reverse the decision to terminate Dr. Bárzaga.