“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”
– Leonardo da Vinci

Two residents in the Desert Healthcare District’s newly expanded area will soon have an opportunity to apply those wise words as members of the District’s Board of Directors.

With the expansion of District boundaries, which 80 percent of voters approved on November 6, the board will increase from five to seven members. Letters of application to fill the two new seats will be accepted until 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2019.

Serious candidates with varied experience and qualifications are welcome to apply. All candidates must be registered voters who live in the Coachella Valley, east of Cook Street. Top managers and executives employed with valley hospitals are not eligible to apply.

The new directors will be expected to help carry out the mission of the District and Desert Healthcare Foundation: “To achieve optimal health at all stages of life for all district residents.” The District/Foundation promotes equity in health care and supports many providers, hospitals and community organizations that deliver care to residents.

All current and incoming directors are charged with representing the health and wellness interests of the entire district of 400,000+ people. Board commitment includes a variety of responsibilities and at least one monthly board meeting. Directors are paid a stipend per meeting.

“Serving on the Desert Healthcare District Board is an awesome opportunity and responsibility,” said Dr. Les Zendle, board president. “Unlike other boards where directors may not be directly aware of the impact they’re making, District Directors are in the rewarding position of frequently hearing and seeing for themselves the effects of the decisions they make for the health and wellbeing of the Coachella Valley.”

The application process includes an open meeting on Tuesday, January 15, when the board expects to review submissions and interview applicants. The board will then have an opportunity to nominate candidates for consideration, and ultimately appoint the two directors.

One of the new appointees will be expected to serve until the general election in November 2020, and the other until elections in November 2022. The terms likely will be assigned by lot.

The appointees will be the latest new members to join the board. In November, voters in Zone 4 of the District (largely Cathedral City) elected Evett Perezgil to the board. Incumbent Carole Rogers ran unopposed and retained her board seat, while Kay Hazen ended her 18-year run as a director.

To learn more about the application requirements and process, go to dhcd.org or email Board Relations Officer Andrea Hayles at [email protected].