If there is one thing Coachella Valley residents have in common, it’s the environment we share and how it can affect our health. Valley leaders and residents are invited to explore the impact of the environment on our health at the inaugural Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit taking place September 20-21 at The Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage.

Panels featuring environmental experts, health leaders, elected officials and others will cover topics that affect diverse community members. Presentations will span empowerment of seniors and farmworkers to protect themselves, engaging youth and nonprofits to lead efforts addressing air and water quality, and land-use issues. The panels will be bookended by two key note speakers who are knowledgeable, compassionate and effective environmental advocates: California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia (Sept. 20) and activist and 2022 Goldman Environmental Prize winner Nalleli Cobo (Sept. 21). Both speakers are known for uplifting the voices of disadvantaged residents who are grappling with environmental challenges.

Garcia, appointed to state secretary by Governor Gavin Newsom in August 2022, advises the governor on environmental policy. She oversees the state’s efforts to fight climate change, protect air and water quality, regulate pesticides and toxic substances, achieve the state’s recycling and waste reduction goals and advance environmental justice. Since 2021, Garcia has served as Special Assistant Attorney General advising California Attorney General Rob Bonta on the California Department of Justice’s legal and policy matters pertaining to the environment, land law and natural resources including climate and energy, along with transportation and housing.

Cobo, who is the co-founder of People Not Pozos, made international news at age 19 when she identified a correlation between the illnesses affecting her and her neighbors and the presence of an oil-drilling site in their Los Angeles neighborhood. Her activism led to closing the site down. In addition to sharing her experience and insights, Cobo will meet separately with valley youth organizations.

Cobo and Garcia’s remarks are expected to be two of many summit highlights.

“We are excited to present this summit as an opportunity to raise awareness of how our local environment can affect our health and to issue a call-to-action for everyone in the valley to get involved,” said Chris Christensen, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation CEO. “Our goal with this event is to provide information that leads to real-world action to improve environmental health conditions and our quality of life.”

The District and Foundation has launched a $1 million request for proposal process in support of the call to action. Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for funding for programs and services that address environmental health challenges.

Healthy Desert, Healthy You Environmental Health Summit takes place September 20-21 at The Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage and is open to all. For free registration and additional information, visit www.healthydeserthealthyyou.com.