Blue Zones Project, a first-of-its-kind population health initiative, is making exciting progress in Riverside County with the announcement of its local leadership for Palm Springs and Coachella. Geoff Kors, former Palm Springs mayor and city councilmember, has been appointed executive director for Blue Zones Project Palm Springs, while Angela Zepeda, recently re-elected Coachella city clerk and long-time advocate for community well-being, will lead as executive director for Blue Zones Project Coachella.

This development follows years of community anticipation and planning. In their May/June 2023 edition, Desert Health detailed the Blue Zones Project’s feasibility assessment for Riverside County, which culminated in a total of five Blue Zones initiatives simultaneously launching in Riverside, Banning, Coachella and Palm Springs, while Mead Valley began a policy-focused Blue Zones Activate initiative. This strategy was devised for maximum impact on the county.

With sponsorship from Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), IEHP Foundation, Eisenhower Health, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, Riverside University Health System-Public Health, and Riverside County, this evidence-based initiative is designed to transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play and lead to measurable improvements in community well-being, economic vitality and resilience.

As executive directors, Kors and Zepeda will guide their respective communities in implementing policies and programs rooted in Blue Zones evidence-based principles. These efforts will focus on promoting active living, improving access to healthy foods, fostering social connections and addressing health disparities.

Kors shared, “The City of Palm Springs has established goals of increasing access and opportunity, improving the health and happiness of residents, and incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion and sustainability goals into all areas of government policy. This project does not simply align with these goals, but supports and furthers them as it will reduce health disparities, increase active transportation options, improve parks and recreation, and address longstanding issues such as access to healthy food. This significant investment in creating community-wide change will have a long-term impact on our residents. By bringing resources and a proven program to create change, this collaboration is truly a gift to our communities.”

Zepeda echoed his sentiment, adding, “Coachella has long been a city of vision and resilience, and our commitment to health and wellness is woven into the fabric of our general plan. We envision a future where every resident thrives physically, emotionally and spiritually. Blue Zones Project aligns perfectly with our efforts to create family-friendly neighborhoods, expand active transportation options, ensure access to nutritious food and provide safe, welcoming public spaces. By addressing health disparities and fostering equity, we are building a community where every individual has the opportunity to live a better, longer life — grounded in the strength of our history and inspired by the promise of our future.”

The Blue Zones Project is now entering its foundation phase, building local teams and creating blueprints for implementation. This effort marks the beginning of a multi-year collaboration aimed at improving community well-being and advancing health equity. To support these transformative initiatives, Blue Zones Project is actively hiring full-time staff for both Palm Springs and Coachella.

Stay tuned for updates in upcoming editions as Desert Health continues to cover the progress of this inspiring project. With strong leadership, community engagement, and the support of key sponsors, Palm Springs and Coachella are set to embark on a journey toward a healthier, more vibrant future.

Residents interested in joining the Blue Zones Project teams in Palm Springs and Coachella can learn more about available opportunities at www.bluezones.com/careers.