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

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

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

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

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

Host Will Dean welcomes Stassia Underwood, a trans navigator with Transgender Health and Wellness Center, for a conversation about affirming care, community connection, and support for transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals. Stassia explains the role of a trans navigator, discusses barriers many people face when seeking healthcare and mental health services, and shares how isolation and lack of resources impact the transgender community. The episode also highlights the center’s expanding programs, including peer support groups, youth services, Trans and Non-Binary Tuesdays, and the upcoming Pink Ball celebration. Stassia reflects on what motivates her advocacy work and why creating safe, welcoming spaces remains essential in today’s political climate and healthcare landscape for all communities.

Takeaways:

• Trans navigators help connect transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals to affirming resources and care.
• Community connection plays a major role in improving mental health and wellbeing.
• Many transgender individuals face isolation, rejection, and barriers to healthcare access.
• Access to affirming specialists and transition-related services remains limited in many areas.
• Peer support groups and social programs create safe, welcoming environments for connection.
• The Transgender Health and Wellness Center continues expanding services across Southern California.
• Youth-focused programs provide affirming spaces tailored to transgender and non-binary youth.
• Advocacy, visibility, and storytelling help strengthen and empower the transgender community.

#HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #StassiaUnderwood #TransNavigator #TransgenderHealthAndWellnessCenter #LGBTQ #TransCommunity #NonBinary #Intersex #MentalHealthSupport #AffirmingCare #TransAdvocacy #PeerSupport #CommunityConnection #HealthcareAccess #GenderAffirmingCare #TransYouthSupport #InclusiveCommunities

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

On this episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You, host Will Dean talks with Evett PerezGill 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. PerezGill 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 PerezGill 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.
• PerezGill 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.
• PerezGill remains motivated by improving opportunities for future generations.

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

Host Will Dean welcomes Dr. Dan Logsdon for a conversation about healthcare leadership, innovation, and the future of medical care in the Coachella Valley on this episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You. Dr. Logsdon shares his journey from engineering to cardiothoracic surgery, his path to joining the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board of Directors, and the vision behind the district’s evolving strategic plan. This edition of the podcast explores physician recruitment and retention, expanding healthcare access through mobile medical clinics, lowering barriers to care, and addressing rising healthcare costs. Dr. Logsdon also discusses why data-driven planning, leadership, and community collaboration are essential to building a healthier future for residents across the Valley for generations to come.

Takeaways:

• Dr. Dan Logsdon transitioned from chemical engineering to cardiothoracic surgery.
• Early hospital volunteer experiences inspired his passion for medicine.
• The Desert Healthcare District strategic plan focuses on long-term community impact.
• Recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals remains a major regional priority.
• Mobile medical clinics reduce barriers and improve healthcare accessibility.
• Data-driven healthcare planning is shaping the district’s future initiatives.
• Rising healthcare costs and insurance barriers continue to affect patient care.
• The Coachella Valley is evolving into a growing, younger healthcare community.

#HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #DrDanLogsdon #CoachellaValleyHealth #HealthcareLeadership #MobileMedicalClinics #PublicHealth #HealthcareInnovation #CardiothoracicSurgery #HealthcareAccess #DesertHealthcare #CommunityHealth #HealthcareRecruitment #MedicalProfessionals #StrategicPlanning #HealthcareFuture #PatientCare #HealthEquity

In this episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You, host Will Dean sits down with Leticia De Lara, a lifelong Coachella Valley resident whose journey from migrant farm work to public service leadership shapes her commitment to community wellness. As a board director for the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation and CEO of the RAP Foundation, Leticia shares how her upbringing informs her advocacy for underserved populations. The conversation explores misconceptions about farmworker communities, the importance of collaboration, and the district’s strategic planning process. Leticia also highlights challenges in healthcare access, emphasizing proactive solutions, resource equity, and partnerships with nonprofits to improve outcomes across the Coachella Valley.

Takeaways:

• Early life as a migrant farm worker shaped a strong work ethic and purpose
• Family sacrifice and education played a key role in her success
• Misconceptions about farmworker communities often overlook their desire to engage
• Public service is about helping people, not politics
• Collaboration maximizes limited healthcare resources
• Strategic planning includes strong community input and engagement
• Proactive healthcare solutions are essential for underserved populations
• Nonprofits are critical partners in improving community health outcomes

#HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #LeticiaDeLara #RAPFoundation #Innercare #CoachellaValley #PublicHealthLeadership #HealthEquity #CommunityHealth #NonprofitLeadership #HealthcareAccess #UnderservedCommunities #MigrantFarmworkers #HealthInnovation #StrategicPlanning #LocalLeadership #CollaborativeImpact #DesertHealth