On Oct. 21, HCAI Director Elizabeth Landsberg will see how Rural Health Transformation funds could support care in the eastern Coachella Valley.
THERMAL, CA, UNITED STATES, October 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. (RSBCIHI) and the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians (TM) will host the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) Director Elizabeth Landsberg and department leaders in the TM community at 1:00 p.m. on October 21st.
The visit will show HCAI leaders how the Torres-Martinez Indian Health Clinic delivers rural Tribal health care in the eastern Coachella Valley. RSBCIHI and TM Tribal representatives will outline the clinic’s history, the communities it serves, patient needs, and its programs and services.
Discussion will cover workforce, transportation, infrastructure, and geographic barriers; local innovations; and how California Rural Health Transformation resources could support sustainable, culturally responsive care closer to home.
“Distance, transportation, and workforce shortages shape access to care in our rural desert community,” said Desiree Hill, RSBCIHI Board Vice President and a member of the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. “We welcome the chance to share our experiences and solutions and identify investments in timely, culturally responsive care close to home.”
“Tribal communities must have a strong voice in the decisions shaping California’s health care system,” said Teresa Sanchez, RSBCIHI Board President and a member of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. “This visit can strengthen our HCAI partnership and direct Rural Health Transformation resources toward access, workforce, and better outcomes.”
“The RSBCIHI Board asked me to expand our advocacy, and strengthening our HCAI relationship is central to that work,” said Dr. Mark LeBeau, RSBCIHI CEO. “This visit lets state leaders hear directly from Tribal representatives, patients, and care teams and explore practical investments in rural Tribal health care.”
California received approximately $233.6 million in Federal Fiscal Year 2026 through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), the third-highest state award nationwide. Led by HCAI, it targets gaps in rural access, workforce, and infrastructure through state-driven solutions.
Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Landsberg in December 2020. She previously served as a deputy director at the California Department of Managed Health Care and spent more than 16 years advocating on health reform, Medi-Cal, Covered California, and issues affecting low-income Californians.
About Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc.
RSBCIHI provides culturally responsive health and community services for Native families through eight clinics across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Its clinics, including Torres-Martinez in Thermal, offer primary, behavioral, dental, eye care, laboratory, pharmacy, nutrition, fitness, transportation, and prevention services.
About the California Department of Health Care Access and Information
HCAI expands access to quality, equitable, and affordable care through resilient facilities and workforces, health data, financing, affordability initiatives, and rural health programs.
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Judy Srisopa
Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc.
+1 909-864-1097
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