SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Join Us For The Summit
ABOUT US
Dear Coachella Valley Residents and Community Partners,
On behalf of the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board of Directors and staff, I am pleased to invite you to join us for the Third Annual Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit on September 10.
This year’s summit marks an important evolution in our community conversation about health and well-being. In previous years, the summit focused on environmental health and the ways our surroundings affect our health and quality of life. While that work remains important, we have heard clearly from community partners, residents and other stakeholders that some of the most pressing health challenges facing our valley today extend beyond traditional healthcare and environmental concerns.
That is why this year’s summit will focus on four critical social determinants of health: healthcare access, behavioral health, workforce development, and housing.
Research consistently shows that health is shaped by far more than medical care alone. The stability of our housing, availability of a sufficient healthcare workforce, access to mental and behavioral health services, and the ability to obtain timely healthcare all influence whether individuals and families can thrive. These factors affect not only personal well-being, but also the strength, resilience, and prosperity of our entire community.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Barraza, Board President
Desert Healthcare District & Foundation
REGISTER HERE
2026 SPEAKERS
Dr. Angelica Geter, DrPH, MPH
Founder, AGC | Data and Impact Collective
Dr. Angelica Geter, DrPH, MPH, is a nationally recognized public health executive, keynote speaker, and former Chief Health Officer for the City of Atlanta. With more than 20 years of experience and 30+ peer-reviewed publications, she is known for advancing equity through strategic leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and data-driven innovation.
Through her firm she founded, AGC | Data and Impact Collective, Dr. Geter closes healthcare deserts through advising, strategic planning, and data analysis for health systems, foundations, and corporations. Recent engagements include co-leading the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation’s five-year regional health strategy for the Coachella Valley, leading the development of healthy neighborhood metrics for the City of Atlanta Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, serving as Senior Health and Equity Advisor for 26Health’s Atlanta expansion. Her work that has expanded healthcare access for more than 300,000 residents and impacted the health of more than 500,000 families.
Her insights have been featured in Forbes, Essence, HuffPost, CNBC, and more. A University of Kentucky College of Public Health Hall of Fame inductee and Emory 40 Under Forty honoree, she serves on the National Emerging Leaders Council and Southeast Regional Board of the American Heart Association.
Dr. Takashi Wada
Chief Medical Officer, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)
Dr. Takashi Wada is the Vice President of Population Health and CalAIM at Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) since June 2025. In this role, Dr. Wada provides clinical strategic leadership in developing and implementing IEHP’s population health efforts and fulfilling requirements under California’s CalAIM initiative.
Previously, Dr. Wada served as IEHP’s Chief Medical Officer from 2021 to 2025 and as Vice President from 2019 to 2021. He has also held several public health plan and public-sector leadership roles, including County Public Health Officer, County Mental Health Director, Chief Medical Officer, and Director of Public Health Services.
Dr. Wada earned his medical degree and Master of Public Health from UCLA and holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from UC Riverside. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to advancing care for underserved communities and has practiced extensively as a family physician in community clinics serving individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as in rural regions of Mexico and South America.
Community Impact
Over 300 people gathered at the summit to explore the intersectionality of climate, health and equity, build community, and advance, collaborative work in the pursuit of a healthier, more equitable future.
Speakers
The Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit is featured over 20 speakers—each chosen for their expertise and passion for creating healthier communities. It was an inspiring lineup!
Spanish Translation & ASL Support
We provided Spanish translation and ASL support to ensure that all attendees can fully participate and engage. It enhanced inclusivity and enriched the overall summit experience.
VENUE
Omni Rancho Las Palmas
Self-parking is plentiful and will be available free of charge.
41000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Telephone: (760) 568-2727
SUMMIT AGENDA
Agenda is subject to change.
07:30
Registration & Breakfast
1 hour
Opening Remarks and Welcome
20 min
Kimberly Barraza, DHCD&F Board President
The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board recently appointed Kimberly Barraza as Board President. She has served as a senior district representative and policy advisor for State Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. A resident in the District’s Zone 6, she will serve a four-year term. Barraza, who is knowledgeable about the state Legislature and budget process, brings […]
Donna Craig
For 22 years, Donna Craig has served the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation in integral roles that helped to advance its mission. Soon after joining the staff as executive assistant to then-CEO Wayne Soucy in 2004, Craig was recognized for her grant-writing and other skills. In 2005, she was promoted to Chief Program Officer, […]
Housing Session: Integrating Housing and Healthcare Systems: Effective Approaches to Improve Stability and Health
1 hour 10 min
Healthcare Access Session: Transportation and Health: Removing Barriers to Care
1 hour 10 min
Mona Babauta
Mona Babauta is a seasoned transit professional with over 27 years of experience servingcommunities across the Inland Empire, Bay Area, and the Los Angeles Metropolitan area. She currently serves as the CEO/General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency in Southern California, a recognized leader in clean transportation innovation, particularly in hydrogen fuel cell buses and supporting […]
Workforce Session: Building the Future Care Team: Addressing Healthcare Workforce Gaps in the Coachella Valley
1:10
Victor Cisneros, MD
Dr. Victor Cisneros is the Chief Community Health Officer at Eisenhower Health and an emergency medicine physician whose work focuses on health equity, population health, and expanding access to care for underserved communities throughout the Coachella Valley. He leads system-wide community health initiatives addressing social drivers of health, including food insecurity, housing instability, transportation barriers, […]
Conrado Bárzaga, M.D.
Conrado E. Bárzaga, MD, is a healthcare executive, academic health leader, and community health systems strategist with more than 25 years of experience advancing health equity, developing healthcare workforce pipelines, building cross-sector partnerships, and leading nonprofit and public-sector healthcare organizations. He currently serves as Vice President and Chief Academic Officer and Designated Institutional Official at […]
10:10
Transition Period
10 min
Alejandro Espinoza
Alejandro Espinoza is a dedicated professional at the forefront of community health education and engagement. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Alejandro is making a significant impact in his roles as Chief of Community Engagement at the Desert Healthcare District/Foundation and as a faculty member at California State University, Fullerton, where he imparts his […]
Behavioral Health Session: Early Intervention Matters: Advancing Youth Mental Health Through Prevention and Community-Based Supports
1 hour 10 min
Seham Saba
Seham Saba is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Registered Psychological Associate, and Head of Mental Health Services at the Riverside Latino Commission. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology, further expanding her expertise in psychological assessment and evidence-based treatment. Throughout her career, Seham has been dedicated to increasing […]
Healthcare Access Session: Beyond the Clinic: Mobile and Community-Based Care
1 hour 10 min
Housing Session: Shifting from Crisis Response to Prevention: Policy and Systems Strategies to Address Homelessness
1 hour 10 min
11:30
Transition Period
5 min
Alejandro Espinoza
Alejandro Espinoza is a dedicated professional at the forefront of community health education and engagement. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Alejandro is making a significant impact in his roles as Chief of Community Engagement at the Desert Healthcare District/Foundation and as a faculty member at California State University, Fullerton, where he imparts his […]
11:35
Keynote Speaker
35 min
Dr. Angelica Geter, DrPH, MPH
Dr. Angelica Geter is one of the nation’s leading public health experts, a keynote speaker, first Chief Health Officer of the City of Atlanta, and a champion for wellness-centered leadership, known for advancing equity through strategic leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and data-driven innovation. With more than 20 years of experience across government, healthcare, corporate, and community systems, Dr. […]
12:10
Expo and Lunch
1 hour
01:10
Transition Period
10 min
Alejandro Espinoza
Alejandro Espinoza is a dedicated professional at the forefront of community health education and engagement. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Alejandro is making a significant impact in his roles as Chief of Community Engagement at the Desert Healthcare District/Foundation and as a faculty member at California State University, Fullerton, where he imparts his […]
Workforce Session: Advancing Community Health Through Employment and Career Pathways
1 hour 10 min
Mihai Patru
Mihai Patru is the Executive Director of Blue Zones Palm Springs, where he leads efforts to create healthier, more connected, and resilient communities across the city. A former career diplomat and social entrepreneur, Mihai brings over a decade of experience in inclusive economic development, entrepreneurship education, and cross-sector collaboration. Before joining Blue Zones, he co-founded […]
Melinda Cordero-Bárzaga
With 34 years of experience, Melinda Cordero-Bárzaga has dedicated her career to advancing community health initiatives and elevating community voices. A founding member of Visión y Compromiso, Melinda played a key role in the establishment of the organization in 2000, initially serving as the Director of its California Network of Promotoras and Community Health Workers (CHWs). As the Associate Director […]
Jason Tang
Jason Tang serves as a Development Manager for Riverside County Workforce Development overseeing the Business and Community Career Services units where the mission is to build our local workforce by nurturing strong industry partnerships and preparing individuals with the necessary training and skills required to thrive in today’s active job market. Jason has served in […]
Behavioral Health Session: Advancing Community-Centered Solutions for Behavioral Health Access
1 hour 10 min
Steven Hytry, PsyD
Dr. Steven Hytry is the Market Chief Executive Officer for Acadia Healthcare in Southern California with responsibility over both Coachella Valley Behavioral Health in Indio and Pacific Grove Hospital in Riverside. A seasoned behavioral healthcare leader and Psychologist, he brings more than 30 years of experience leading hospitals and behavioral health organizations across California and […]
Steve Hytry
Dr. Steven Hytry is the Market Chief Executive Officer for Acadia Healthcare in Southern California with responsibility over both Coachella Valley Behavioral Health in Indio and Pacific Grove Hospital in Riverside. A seasoned behavioral healthcare leader and Psychologist, he brings more than 30 years of experience leading hospitals and behavioral health organizations across California and the United States. Known for […]
Kraig Johnson
As Jewish Family Service of the Desert’s Executive Director, Kraig Johnson brings over 20 years of non-profit leadership experience to his current role. Before joining JFS, he was a Program Director for Stars Behavioral Health Group, focusing on the provision of mental health services for transitional-age youth in Riverside County, and he was the Co-Chair […]
02:30
Transition Period
5 min
Alejandro Espinoza
Alejandro Espinoza is a dedicated professional at the forefront of community health education and engagement. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Alejandro is making a significant impact in his roles as Chief of Community Engagement at the Desert Healthcare District/Foundation and as a faculty member at California State University, Fullerton, where he imparts his […]
02:35
Call to Action Speaker
35 min
Dr. Takahashi Wada
Dr. Takashi Wada is the Vice President of Population Health and CalAIM at Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) since June 2025. In this role, Dr. Wada provides clinical strategic leadership in developing and implementing IEHP’s population health efforts and fulfilling requirements under California’s CalAIM initiative. Previously, Dr. Wada served as IEHP’s Chief Medical Officer from […]
03:10
Closing Remarks
Donna Craig, Interim CEO, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation
20 min
Donna Craig
For 22 years, Donna Craig has served the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation in integral roles that helped to advance its mission. Soon after joining the staff as executive assistant to then-CEO Wayne Soucy in 2004, Craig was recognized for her grant-writing and other skills. In 2005, she was promoted to Chief Program Officer, […]
2026 SPEAKERS & MODERATORS
Please click on the speakers’ and moderators’ photos to read their full bios.
More speakers will be announced soon!
Dr. Angelica Geter, DrPH, MPH
AGC | Data and Impact Collective
Steven Hytry, PsyD
Coachella Valley Behavioral Health
Dr. Takahashi Wada
Inland Empire Health Plan
Kimberly Barraza, DHCD&F Board President
Desert Healthcare District and Foundation
Donna Craig
Desert Healthcare District &Foundation
Victor Cisneros, MD
Eisenhower Health
Steve Hytry
Coachella Valley Behavioral Health
Seham Saba
Riverside Latino Commission
Mona Babauta
SunLine Transit Agency
Mihai Patru
Blue Zones Palm Springs
Kraig Johnson
Jewish Family Service of the Desert
Melinda Cordero-Bárzaga
Visión y Compromiso
Jason Tang
Riverside County Workforce Development
Conrado Bárzaga, M.D.
Innercare
Alejandro Espinoza
Desert Healthcare District & Foundation
GALLERY
Watch the 2025 Sizzle Reel.
Relive the 2025 Summit through our photo gallery, featuring powerful moments, inspiring speakers, and meaningful community connections that made the event unforgettable.
2026 SPONSORS
Thank you to our sponsors!
MEDIA SPONSORS:
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PODCAST
About
Presented by the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, the Healthy Desert, Healthy You podcast explores a variety of important health and wellness topics affecting Coachella Valley residents — from environmental health to primary and mental healthcare. Each episode features a health expert, nonprofit leader, notable advocate, community partner, board director, or regional stakeholder who’s engaged in improving life in the desert.
The podcast is hosted by Will Dean, director of communications and marketing for the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation.
RESOURCES
There are several resources available to help mitigate environmental health and air quality issues.
Please take a look at the curated reports and more below for more information!
Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Environmental Health Reports
The data provided in the following commissioned reports inform the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation’s environmental health initiative and efforts supporting strategic plan goal No. 6, which is to “be responsive to and supportive of selected community initiatives that enhance the environment in the District’s service area.”
Environmental Health in the Eastern Coachella Valley
Authored by HARC (June 2024) and part of a larger effort to educate underserved communities in monitoring and interpreting air quality data, the report includes data on air pollution and the Air Quality Academy in the Eastern Coachella Valley. This was in partnership with the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, Alianza Coachella Valley, and South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Rates of Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disease Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations in the Coachella Valley, 2016-2018
Authored by California Department of Public Health and Tracking California (January 2021), this reports details information comparing the rates of hospitalizations and emergency department visits among ZIP codes with varying poverty rates and health outcomes in the Coachella Valley.
Policies and Strategies to Improve Air Quality and Public Health in the Coachella Valley
Authored by Tracking California (June 2023), this report aims to help the Desert Healthcare Foundation gauge community health needs with respect to air quality and health in the Coachella Valley region. Six areas for policy action and strategies to support current resident needs were identified.
Air Quality Emergency Communication Plan
Authored by Concur Inc., this plan includes information such as the geographic scope, the issue scope, and various frameworks for addressing key areas of concern like schools and underserved areas.
Air Pollution Trends in the Coachella Valley, 2017-2019
Authored by California Department of Public Health and Tracking California (March 2021), data on ozone, respirable particulate matter, and fine particulate matter were collected and identified as pollutant concerns for Coachella Valley residents.
RUHS Climate Change Program
The Climate Change Program from RUHS-Public Health is working on a project to help communities address environmental and climate issues. Your feedback is valuable in understanding the community’s needs.
Please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey. Your responses will play a vital role in helping create a project that will benefit the community.
Eastern Coachella Valley Community Air Monitoring
This page is dedicated to the Eastern Coachella Valley (ECV) community data platform for real-time continuous measurements, interactive data summaries, air monitoring progress reports and the Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP).
Limiting Your Exposure to Air Pollution
Air pollution in and around your home can come from a variety of sources and can cause health problems for you, your family and your neighbors. Here are some tips to minimize how much air pollution you breathe in and around your home.
Sign Up for Air Quality Alerts
You can receive accurate air quality advisories that can be tailored to your specific location. South Coast AQMD’s award winning app provides real-time and forecasted air quality information using data from regulatory monitors, hundreds of low-cost sensors, and state-of-the-art models with scientifically validated methods developed by air quality experts.
Join the UC California Naturalist Climate Stewards Course
Discover how climate change is impacting our natural and social systems, and learn how you can make a difference with the UC California Naturalist Climate Stewards Course. This 10-week program at UCR Palm Desert combines online and hands-on learning, experience sharing, and volunteer service to empower you to improve ecosystem and community resilience.
Residential Air Filtration Incentives
The Residential Air Filtration Program aims to reduce residential exposure to particulate matter (PM) in participating AB 617 Communities. Residents within the Eastern Coachella Valley are eligible for free portable air filtration units and replacement filters, improving indoor air quality.
Wildfire Smoke & Ash Health & Safety Tips
Wildfires can often cause high air pollution levels that are harmful to your health. Protect your health by taking steps Before, During, and After a wildfire to reduce how much pollution you are breathing.
CARB Community Air Grant Opportunity
The California Air Resources Board’s Office of Community Air Protection has released its Community Air Grant (CAG) Cycle 5 Request for Applications. These grants fund California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and Native American tribes for projects addressing air quality issues in heavily polluted communities. This cycle offers $16 million in funding.
Open Burn Program
Rule 444 – Open Burning (PDF) is designed to ensure that open burning is conducted in a manner that minimizes emissions and impacts, and that smoke is managed consistent with state and federal law in order to protect public health and safety.
Filing a Complaint
You can help South Coast AQMD protect public health in the South Coast Air Basin by making a complaint about air quality problems online or call 1-800-CUT SMOG.
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