A ceremonial check for $1 million was presented on October 23 to DAP Health by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) and Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R- Bermuda Dunes) who came together to secure the appropriation.
The appropriation spearheaded by Assemblymembers Greg Wallis and Eduardo Garcia is earmarked for the expansion of the nonprofit’s Sunrise campus in Palm Springs, and for the hiring and training of much-needed additional providers in various disciplines.
“It’s about health care and addressing a need in our region. I think that’s what motivates us to work in the best interests of our constituents. DAP Health will now be serving the entire Coachella Valley. That doesn’t recognize a district boundary or a political party affiliation, and recognizes a healthcare need,” said Assemblymember Garcia.
The contribution, secured through Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2023-24 state budget, underscores the elected officials’ commitment to DAP Health’s goal of providing comprehensive, judgment-free health care to more than 100,000 residents at a total of 25 Southern California clinics located within 240 rural and urban zip codes from the Salton Sea to San Diego.
“During this unprecedented period of growth for DAP Health, this funding will be instrumental as we hire more than two dozen new physicians and train them at our Sunrise campus so that our unique model of care can become the standard across all 25 of our sites,” said Brinkman. “This show of faith from the Assemblymembers — as well as from Governor Newsom and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting — means the world to us as we continue to seek financing for our growth in health markets both within and beyond the Coachella Valley.”
Last July, Assemblymembers Wallis and Garcia announced the $1 million appropriation for DAP Health in the 2023-24 state budget, and earlier this year, Assemblymember Wallis recognized DAP Health as the 47th Assembly District’s Nonprofit of the Year, highlighting its outstanding contributions to the community.
“I am truly inspired by the efforts of the dedicated professionals and over 400 volunteers associated with DAP Health,” said Assemblymember Wallis in a statement. “The funds we were able to secure from the state will support their endeavors to serve a diverse range of patients across various fields, encompassing HIV care, primary care, women’s health, and essential social programs. These initiatives play a crucial role in improving the well-being of some of the desert’s most medically underserved residents.”
“The well-being of our medically underserved community relies on health centers like DAP Health,” added Assemblymember Garcia. “Delivering this $1 million state budget investment will help DAP Health to expand health care services and support our region’s urgent workforce training needs.”
