By Madeline Zuckerman
Desert Arc, currently celebrating its 65th Anniversary milestone, has announced it has received a significant grant from Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, which will allow this leading nonprofit to fund the purchase of 63 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to equip Desert Arc’s entire Transportation Fleet of vehicles.
“According to our research, Desert Arc may possibly be the first in the Coachella Valley and possibly the first in the country to install these Automated External Defibrillators in its entire fleet of transportation vehicles,” said Richard Balocco, President/CEO of Desert Arc. “Our organization is not required to do this, but we are taking a leadership and proactive approach for the safety of our clients, who receive curb to curb, round-trip transportation service from home to our programs and to employment Monday through Friday.
It is widely known that people with disabilities are at a higher risk of cardiac episodes than the general population. Adults with disabilities are three times as likely to have heart disease, as compared to adults without disabilities, so Desert Arc felt this initiative was very important for our clients. And, these AEDs will also be accessible to the general public for use, in the event of an emergency on one of Desert Arc’s routes.”
Desert Arc maintains a fleet of buses, smaller buses, vans, and service vehicles to take its 700 clients to and from their homes, job sites, and Desert Arc facilities, in addition to other outings including shopping malls, restaurants, and parks. Desert Arc ‘s staff are trained in CPR and First Aid including the use of Automated External Defibrillators.
“I am appreciative and grateful for the work that Desert Arc does to enhance the quality of life for Coachella Valley residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Evett PerezGil, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board President. “With their grant request to purchase and install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in all of the agency’s vehicles, Desert Arc has demonstrated a proactive commitment to the health and well-being of their clients. They have insured that this life-saving equipment is readily available whenever and wherever it may be needed. It’s an initiative that closely aligns with the Desert Healthcare District’s mission and we proudly support it.”
To celebrate the installation of the Automated External Defibrillators, Desert Arc hosted a Press Conference in collaboration with Desert Healthcare District & Foundation recently. Damian Jenkins, Desert Arc Board Chair, commenced this Press Conference by welcoming all guests, as well as the media to this celebratory Press Conference. Subject experts then participated in an informative panel discussion moderated by Rich DeRose of HeartVantages.
The panel of experts included:
- RICHARD BALOCCO, PRESIDENT/CEO OF DESERT ARC
- CHRIS CHRISTENSEN, CEO OF DESERT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT & FOUNDATION
- CONGRESSMAN RAUL RUIZ, M.D. (CA-25), EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN
- AARON HARTNEY OF GLOBAL MEDICAL RESPONSE
- FIRE CAPTAIN PARAMEDIC RICKEY HARVEY OF CAL FIRE
- GARY DENHAM, PARAMEDICS OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are lightweight portable devices that deliver an electronic shock for the chest to the heart. The shot can potentially stop in a regular heartbeat and allow normal heart rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest.
ABOUT DESERT ARC
Desert Arc is a leading nonprofit, currently celebrating its 65th Anniversary of providing comprehensive services for 700 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the Coachella Valley, the Morongo Basin, Palo Verde Valley, and surrounding desert communities. Since its founding in 1959, Desert Arc has been offering person-centric programs and resources designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients (people with disabilities served by its mission) including: an adult day program, healthcare, nutrition, and sports and recreation programs. It’s FYI – For Your Independence team of life skills coaches work with clients in the independent and supported living programs. Dedicated to social innovation, Desert Arc has also created a variety of enterprises providing Business Services including their Shredding & Recycling, Landscape Maintenance, Janitorial, and Fulfillment Divisions. These are growing micro businesses developed to provide employment for its clients, as well as, an earned income revenue stream for Desert Arc. Pathways To Employment is the umbrella for the organization’s vocational, on-the-job training and individual job placement service programs, working directly for Desert Arc or within their fellow employment network. Over its consistent and financially sound history, Desert Arc has been making a difference in the lives of so many people with disabilities.
Desert Arc’s main headquarters is located on Country Club Drive in Palm Desert, consisting of three buildings totaling 50,000 feet of space. In addition, Desert Arc has a Recycling Center and Transportation Depot in Indio and another program site in Yucca Valley.
For general information on Desert Arc, please call 760.346.1611 or visit www.DesertArc.org
