Healthy Desert Healthy You

Stassia Underwood, Trans Navigator | Building Connection Through Transgender Community Support

Host Will Dean welcomes Stassia Underwood, a trans navigator with Transgender Health and Wellness Center, for a conversation about affirming care, community connection, and support for transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals. Stassia explains the role of a trans navigator, discusses barriers many people face when seeking healthcare and mental health services, and shares how isolation and lack of resources impact the transgender community. The episode also highlights the center’s expanding programs, including peer support groups, youth services, Trans and Non-Binary Tuesdays, and the upcoming Pink Ball celebration. Stassia reflects on what motivates her advocacy work and why creating safe, welcoming spaces remains essential in today’s political climate and healthcare landscape for all communities. Takeaways: * Trans navigators help connect transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals to affirming resources and care. * Community connection plays a major role in improving mental health and wellbeing. * Many transgender individuals face isolation, rejection, and barriers to healthcare access. * Access to affirming specialists and transition-related services remains limited in many areas. * Peer support groups and social programs create safe, welcoming environments for connection. * The Transgender Health and Wellness Center continues expanding services across Southern California. * Youth-focused programs provide affirming spaces tailored to transgender and non-binary youth. * Advocacy, visibility, and storytelling help strengthen and empower the transgender community. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #StassiaUnderwood #TransNavigator #TransgenderHealthAndWellnessCenter #LGBTQ #TransCommunity #NonBinary #Intersex #MentalHealthSupport #AffirmingCare #TransAdvocacy #PeerSupport #CommunityConnection #HealthcareAccess #GenderAffirmingCare #TransYouthSupport #InclusiveCommunities

Evett PerezGil, DHCD Board Member | Community Roots Driving Health and Hope

On this episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You, host Will Dean talks with Evett PerezGil about her journey from growing up in Cathedral City’s Dream Homes neighborhood to becoming the first Latina elected to the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board of Directors. PerezGil shares how community-driven health surveys helped lead to the creation of Esperanza Park and strengthened neighborhood wellness efforts. She also reflects on the challenges of public service, the emotional decision surrounding Desert Regional Medical Center, and the district’s evolving five-year strategic plan. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes accountability, community engagement, healthcare access, and creating better opportunities for future generations across the Coachella Valley and beyond. Takeaways: * Evett PerezGil grew up in Cathedral City’s Dream Homes neighborhood. * Community health surveys helped identify the need for a neighborhood park. * Esperanza Park became a successful example of community-driven change. * CV Link and park amenities are encouraging healthier lifestyles. * PerezGil became the first Latina elected to the district board. * The Desert Healthcare District expanded services into the Eastern Coachella Valley. * The district’s new strategic plan focuses on accountability and healthcare access. * PerezGil remains motivated by improving opportunities for future generations. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #DrDanLogsdon #EvettPerezGil #CathedralCity #DreamHomesCommunity #CommunityHealth #HealthcareAccess #PublicHealth #CoachellaValley #HealthEquity #EsperanzaPark #CVLink #CommunityLeadership #DesertRegionalMedicalCenter #LatinaLeadership #HealthInitiatives #FutureGenerations

Dr. Dan Logsdon | Building Healthcare Access and Innovation in the Valley

Host Will Dean welcomes Dr. Dan Logsdon for a conversation about healthcare leadership, innovation, and the future of medical care in the Coachella Valley on this episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You. Dr. Logsdon shares his journey from engineering to cardiothoracic surgery, his path to joining the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board of Directors, and the vision behind the district’s evolving strategic plan. This edition of the podcast explores physician recruitment and retention, expanding healthcare access through mobile medical clinics, lowering barriers to care, and addressing rising healthcare costs. Dr. Logsdon also discusses why data-driven planning, leadership, and community collaboration are essential to building a healthier future for residents across the Valley for generations to come. Takeaways: * Dr. Dan Logsdon transitioned from chemical engineering to cardiothoracic surgery. * Early hospital volunteer experiences inspired his passion for medicine. * The Desert Healthcare District strategic plan focuses on long-term community impact. * Recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals remains a major regional priority. * Mobile medical clinics reduce barriers and improve healthcare accessibility. * Data-driven healthcare planning is shaping the district’s future initiatives. * Rising healthcare costs and insurance barriers continue to affect patient care. * The Coachella Valley is evolving into a growing, younger healthcare community. #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #DrDanLogsdon #CoachellaValleyHealth #HealthcareLeadership #MobileMedicalClinics #PublicHealth #HealthcareInnovation #CardiothoracicSurgery #HealthcareAccess #DesertHealthcare #CommunityHealth #HealthcareRecruitment #MedicalProfessionals #StrategicPlanning #HealthcareFuture #PatientCare #HealthEquity

Leticia De Lara, Director, DHCD | From Farm Fields to Community Health Leadership

In this episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You, host Will Dean sits down with Leticia De Lara, a lifelong Coachella Valley resident whose journey from migrant farm work to public service leadership shapes her commitment to community wellness. As a board director for the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation and CEO of the RAP Foundation, Leticia shares how her upbringing informs her advocacy for underserved populations. The conversation explores misconceptions about farmworker communities, the importance of collaboration, and the district’s strategic planning process. Leticia also highlights challenges in healthcare access, emphasizing proactive solutions, resource equity, and partnerships with nonprofits to improve outcomes across the Coachella Valley. Takeaways: * Early life as a migrant farm worker shaped a strong work ethic and purpose * Family sacrifice and education played a key role in her success * Misconceptions about farmworker communities often overlook their desire to engage * Public service is about helping people, not politics * Collaboration maximizes limited healthcare resources * Strategic planning includes strong community input and engagement * Proactive healthcare solutions are essential for underserved populations * Nonprofits are critical partners in improving community health outcomes #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #LeticiaDeLara #RAPFoundation #Innercare #CoachellaValley #PublicHealthLeadership #HealthEquity #CommunityHealth #NonprofitLeadership #HealthcareAccess #UnderservedCommunities #MigrantFarmworkers #HealthInnovation #StrategicPlanning #LocalLeadership #CollaborativeImpact #DesertHealth

Karrie Schaaf | 12-Year Mentorship Transforming Coachella Valley Youth

In this inspiring episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You, host Will Dean speaks with Karrie Schaaf, Executive Director of Friends of the Children Coachella Valley, about a groundbreaking mentorship model changing young lives. Unlike traditional programs, this initiative pairs children ages four to six with paid professional mentors for a 12-year commitment—supporting them from early childhood through high school graduation. Karrie shares how mentors work both in classrooms and communities, building trust with families and addressing generational challenges. The conversation highlights early successes, including improved confidence, school attendance, and family engagement. With a proven national model and strong local partnerships, the organization is already impacting dozens of children—and aims to expand across the valley. This episode underscores the power of consistency, connection, and community in shaping brighter futures. Takeaways: * Mentorship begins at ages 4–6 and lasts 12 years * Paid professional mentors provide consistent, weekly support * Program integrates school, home, and community environments * Focus on breaking cycles of generational trauma * Strong partnerships with local school districts and community organizations * Early results show increased confidence and school engagement * Families build deep trust and long-term relationships with mentors * Expansion depends on funding, partnerships, and community support #HealthyDesertHealthyYouPodcast #WillDean #DesertHealthcareDistrictAndFoundation #CommunityWellness #KarrieSchaaf #FriendsOfTheChildrenCoachellaValley #YouthMentorship #CoachellaValley #NonprofitImpact #ChildDevelopment #MentoringMatters #CommunitySupport #EarlyIntervention #EducationEquity #FamilySupport #PositiveChange #SocialImpact #YouthEmpowerment #NonprofitLeadership #StrongerCommunities