The Desert Healthcare District board appointed a new director following a special meeting on Thursday, Jan. 8.
Anyse Smith was unanimously appointed and sworn in as the district’s zone five representative, occupying the seat vacated by Arthur Shorr, who resigned on Nov. 30. Zone 5 oversees parts of Palm Desert, Bermuda Dunes and Indio.
The Desert Healthcare District, formed in 1948, is a local government agency whose goal is to help Coachella Valley residents receive health care resources, housing, food and other services most vital to them.
Smith is a Palm Desert resident and staff attorney at Starting Over Inc., a nonprofit housing and legal aid provider working with unhoused people. Previously, she was an associate attorney with Pacheco and Neach PC, program assistant II and management analyst with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments and program administrative assistant and housing manager at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.
Additionally, Smith has supported and served with a number of nonprofit organizations, such as the Jewish Family Services of the Desert Advisory Council, Regional Access Project Foundation and Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest.
“The board has important and transformative work ahead,” Smith said in a statement. “I’m most looking forward to contributing to the district’s strategic efforts to expand access to programs and services, particularly for disadvantaged communities, so that everyone can achieve optimal health, regardless of where they live or their circumstances.”
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Desert Healthcare District appoints new board member
Reporting by Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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