Episode 19

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Published on:

14th May 2026

Evett PerezGil, DHCD Board Member | Community Roots Driving Health and Hope

On this episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You, host Will Dean talks with Evett PerezGil about her journey from growing up in Cathedral City’s Dream Homes neighborhood to becoming the first Latina elected to the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board of Directors. PerezGil shares how community-driven health surveys helped lead to the creation of Esperanza Park and strengthened neighborhood wellness efforts. She also reflects on the challenges of public service, the emotional decision surrounding Desert Regional Medical Center, and the district’s evolving five-year strategic plan. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes accountability, community engagement, healthcare access, and creating better opportunities for future generations across the Coachella Valley and beyond.

Takeaways:

  • Evett PerezGil grew up in Cathedral City’s Dream Homes neighborhood.
  • Community health surveys helped identify the need for a neighborhood park.
  • Esperanza Park became a successful example of community-driven change.
  • CV Link and park amenities are encouraging healthier lifestyles.
  • PerezGil became the first Latina elected to the district board.
  • The Desert Healthcare District expanded services into the Eastern Coachella Valley.
  • The district’s new strategic plan focuses on accountability and healthcare access.
  • PerezGil remains motivated by improving opportunities for future generations.

#HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #DrDanLogsdon #EvettPerezGil #CathedralCity #DreamHomesCommunity #CommunityHealth #HealthcareAccess #PublicHealth #CoachellaValley #HealthEquity #EsperanzaPark #CVLink #CommunityLeadership #DesertRegionalMedicalCenter #LatinaLeadership #HealthInitiatives #FutureGenerations

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About the Podcast

Healthy Desert Healthy You
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.

About your host

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Mutual Broadcasting