CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Expands Nursing Street Medicine Program with Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Grant

PALM DESERT, Calif. – California State University, San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus (PDC) has received a significant $88,013 grant from the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation to strengthen its Nursing Street Medicine Program. This vital program provides compassionate, community-based healthcare to the unsheltered and underserved populations of the Coachella Valley.

The grant will empower the program to expand its outreach efforts, improve access to critical medical services, and offer enhanced hands-on clinical training for CSUSB nursing students. By partnering with the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, PDC aims to address health disparities and ensure that essential care reaches those who need it most.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation,” said Diane Vines, nursing faculty member and executive director of the Nursing Street Medicine Program at PDC. “This funding enables us to deepen our impact in the community while preparing our students to lead with compassion, cultural competence, and a commitment to health equity. Together, we are building a healthier, more inclusive Coachella Valley.”

The Nursing Street Medicine Program connects nursing faculty and students directly with individuals in need, providing services such as wound care, chronic disease management, glucose monitoring, behavioral health assessments, and referrals to medical and community resources. Clinics are conducted in a range of locations, including shelters, homeless encampments, migrant worker camps, and cooling/warming centers.

In addition to healthcare services, the program distributes essential supplies including hygiene kits, masks, clothing, and backpacks. By combining service with education, PDC is cultivating an empathetic, highly skilled healthcare workforce prepared to meet the unique needs of vulnerable populations.

“We are proud to support the Nursing Street Medicine Program with grant funds,” said Chris Christensen, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO. “They’re doing important work that aligns with our values, providing access to care for vulnerable communities while equipping local students with essential skills.”

This partnership not only benefits the community but also contributes to developing a workforce of registered nurses with practical experience serving diverse populations. PDC’s Department of Nursing continues to play a pivotal role in building a stronger, healthier Coachella Valley.

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