For almost a year, since Tropical Storm Hilary swept through the Coachella Valley last August, desert residents have experienced noticeable environmental changes.
The storm left wet sand and mud in homes, roadways, and other locations that rarely see flooding. High winds further displaced these elements, potentially spreading previously dormant toxins.
One result has been visibly poor air quality due to hotter weather, a drier climate, and windblown dust. The Desert Sun reported in June that while scientists say there is no evidence of more harmful particles in the air, residents are increasingly concerned about air quality and seeking solutions.
Frequent exposure to poor air quality, such as ozone gas and floating particles, can lead to various respiratory diseases and heart conditions, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
On September 20 and 21, local air quality, water quality, and other environmental health challenges will be the focus at Healthy Desert, Healthy You, an environmental health summit developed by the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation with multiple community partners. Nonprofit leaders, elected officials, valley residents, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend the two-day summit where public health and environmental experts will explore existing challenges and potential solutions.
“We are excited to present this summit as an opportunity to raise awareness of how our local environment can affect our health,” said Chris Christensen, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation CEO. “Our goal with this event is to provide information that leads to real-world action.”
The summit will feature several knowledgeable leaders as panelists. Environmental activist Nalleli Cobo is expected to be a highlight as the Call-to-Action/Keynote Speaker on September 21. Cobo made international news at age 19 when she identified a correlation between illnesses in her neighborhood and an oil-drilling site in Los Angeles. Her activism led to closing the site down, earning her the 2022 Goldman Environmental Prize.
“To have Miss Cobo participate in our first environmental health summit is incredible,” said Evett PerezGil, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board president. “Her story of one person’s determination to make a difference is truly inspiring.”
Other confirmed speakers include:
- Ann Cheney, Ph.D., UCR School of Medicine
- Erica Felci, Coachella Valley Association of Governments Chief Operating Officer
- Jill Johnston, Ph.D., USC Keck School of Medicine
- Will Porter, Ph.D., UCR
- Ryan Sinclair, Ph.D., Loma Linda University School of Public Health
- Miguel Vazquez, Riverside University Health System – Public Health
Patrick Evans from KESQ News Channel 3 and Janet Wilson from The Desert Sun will serve as moderators.
Registration for the free summit includes American Sign Language interpretation and accommodations for individuals with physical challenges.
To ensure meaningful impact from the summit and a new environmental health initiative, the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board has allocated $1 million over two years through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Organizations with viable programs aimed at improving environmental health will soon be able to apply for funding.
Sponsors for the event include Desert Care Network, Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Inland Empire Health Plan among others.
Planning for the summit began nearly a year ago as part of a community-wide response initiated by the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation staff who brought together several partners. The District had commissioned three reports on local environmental health aspects followed by a data walk attended by representatives from about 60 agencies identifying specific issues to address through its initiatives.
The Desert Healthcare District was formed in 1948 with a mission to achieve optimal health at all life stages for all district residents. It encompasses more than 400,000 residents across Coachella Valley. Together with its foundation arm it remains one of the largest funders in aiding underserved communities access vital healthcare resources.