Officials from the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, Tenet Healthcare and Desert Care Network held a press conference and celebration to sign the 30-year lease-purchase agreement for Desert Regional Medical Center that voters across the Coachella Valley overwhelmingly approved in the November 5 election.
The celebration included physicians, nurses, patients, community members and local elected officials who supported Measure AA, a ballot initiative that voters in the healthcare district approved by a 72% margin.
“Today we are celebrating an incredibly important milestone for healthcare in the desert,” said Michael Maloney, executive vice president of corporate development for Tenet Healthcare. “The signing of this agreement allows us to continue the successful public-private partnership between the District and Tenet Healthcare to improve the health and well-being of our diverse community. Through this partnership, we will provide a direct investment of nearly $650 million to the residents of the Desert Healthcare District which can support additional health services to the community.”
The agreement includes a commitment by Tenet to cover the cost of state-mandated seismic upgrades for Desert Regional, currently estimated to be more than $220 million, at no cost to District taxpayers. Desert Care Network also discussed plans to expand the Emergency Department and Admitting Areas at JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio.
“We are deeply appreciative of the voters who overwhelmingly supported the lease-purchase agreement, which maintains a strong and vibrant hospital while building an endowment for the future of community health in our Valley,” said Evett PerezGil, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board president. “Soon we will begin public planning sessions on how we will continue our mission to achieve optimal health for all District residents at all stages of life. It’s a great opportunity to advance community wellness.”
“It’s an exciting new chapter in our district’s 76-year history to reimagine our role and build upon a legacy of increasing access to healthcare for Coachella Valley residents,” added Chris Christensen, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO.
Desert Care Network CEO Michele Finney thanked the physicians, nurses, patients and community leaders who helped raise awareness about Measure AA’s importance to the Valley.
“I’m touched by the personal commitment of so many who supported Measure AA and Tenet Health’s continued operation of Desert Regional Medical Center. I especially appreciate the hard work of our entire staff at Desert Regional. The significant margin of victory reflects an acknowledgment by voters that their dedication to providing healthcare to everyone – no matter their background or economic status – is respected and valued,” said Michele Finney, CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center and Desert Care Network. “We are proud to operate hospitals that provide the majority of care to the underserved in the Coachella Valley. We are excited to move forward with plans to improve our hospitals and to support organizations that improve health outside the walls of our hospitals.”
Desert Care Network is preparing for a key deadline. Plans for seismic upgrades are due to the State of California on Jan. 1, 2026. While the hospital meets all current seismic standards, Finney said major work will be needed to ensure older sections of Desert Regional remain in service when aggressive new state rules become effective in 2030.
Since 1997, Tenet Health has been making critical investments that ensure we have excellent services and advanced technology for our growing community,” Finney said. “We’ve created a network of care, including the Valley’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center, its only Level 1 Trauma Center and a host of other services that our residents can access close to their homes at Desert Care Network hospitals. We are encouraged by the overwhelming support of the voters and look forward to continuing this beneficial collaboration with the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation. Working together, we can create a bright future for the next generation.”
