Highly Anticipated Release of Data from HARC Set for February 28
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Highly Anticipated Release of Data from HARC Set for February 28
Triennial Coachella Valley Survey Called “Vital and Life Saving”
For Government and Community Planning
Information Is First Comprehensive Assessment of the Coachella Valley
Following Worst of COVID Pandemic
www.HARCdata.org
25 January 2023 – Palm Desert, CA: “It’s a capital mistake to theorize before one has data,” said the legendary literary sleuth Sherlock Holmes. To that end, the Coachella Valley’s esteemed nonprofit HARC (www.HARCdata.org), takes the mystery out of life-saving information, turning dry facts into something far more compelling than fiction. On February 28th, HARC (an acronym for Health Assessment and Research for Communities) will release its highly anticipated triennial health survey of Coachella Valley residents, the most comprehensive such study in the region, and especially relevant coming after three years of the COVID pandemic. Registration for the February 28th event is free at the following link: https://2023coachellavalleydata.eventbrite.com
“This information changes lives,” said Jenna LeComte-Hinely, PhD, Chief Executive Officer for HARC. “This data saves lives today and improves lives tomorrow. The results of this survey are crucial, so that our legislators, health care providers and community professionals can shape and execute policies that build and sustain a healthier community: mentally, physically and emotionally. In light of the pandemic and its continuing impact, this data is even more important than ever.”
In 2022, HARC staff mailed their community survey to individuals in the Coachella Valley asking for frank, but confidential, information about their health and well-being. The survey allows HARC to estimate the prevalence of health conditions, behaviors, major diseases, mental health, and much more for the entire Coachella Valley region. HARC also collected general demographics to more closely examine group differences, such as gender, race/ethnicity, and age. For example, HARC can estimate how many people need mental health care, but can’t get it, and which demographics are most impacted.
“Eisenhower Health greatly appreciates the data gathered by HARC for our organization’s Community Health Needs Assessment,” said Elizabeth Wholihan, Eisenhower Vice President for Marketing & Public Relations. “The data, combined with direct input from our community, is crucial for our strategic planning efforts which allow Eisenhower to determine how we can best respond to the health care needs of our community.”
The survey was conducted via address-based mailing. In other words, 18,000 randomly selected households were mailed the adult survey and pre-incentive of $2. Of those adults who completed the survey and also indicated they had a child in the home, were then mailed a child survey and were offered a $10 post incentive for participating. The information was collected and then weighted using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. On February 28th, the finished report, carefully prepared by HARC, will be presented online and in a written booklet of findings, available – FREE – to everyone.
“The report is free,” quips Dr. LeComte-Hinely, “but the importance of the information is priceless.”
When Sir Francis Bacon published in his work, Meditationes Sacrae in 1597 and coined the phrase “knowledge is power”, he could have been speaking for health professionals but also our elected officials who have long known its truth. One person who combines both those perspectives agrees with the importance of HARC’s information.
“As a physician and public health expert, I know how vital accurate data is to improve the public’s health and address the health disparities our communities face,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25). “This data report will help equip us with the tools and information we need to improve health outcomes for Coachella Valley residents and build a healthier, stronger community for us all.”
According to HARC, because of that, data at the Coachella Valley level is collected and analyzed to accurately reflect the needs of our local community. Organizations that use HARC’s data to support their requests for funding have brought in more than $19.9 million in funding to support critically needed programs and services, such as free HIV tests, and low-to-no-cost mental healthcare, among others.
About HARC:
HARC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Palm Desert, CA. HARC provides research and evaluation services in the field of health, wellness, and quality of life, with a special focus on the Inland Empire. To learn more about HARC, visit www.HARCdata.org. The 2022 Coachella Valley Community Health Survey is made possible by funding from Anderson Children’s Foundation, Auen Foundation, California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program (CALOSBA), City of Coachella, City of Desert Hot Springs, City of La Quinta, City of Palm Desert, City of Palm Springs, College of the Desert, DAP Health, Desert Oasis Healthcare, Desert Care Network, Eisenhower Health, Impact Through Golf Foundation, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), S. Mark Taper Foundation, MolinaCares Foundation on behalf of John Epps, Riverside County 4th District Supervisor CID Funds, University of California, Riverside – Center for Health Disparities Research, Windward Fund, and several generous private donors.
