Anyse Smith Appointed to Desert Healthcare District Board

Anyse Smith has been unanimously appointed and officially sworn in as the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation’s Zone 5 representative, filling the seat vacated by Arthur Shorr, who resigned on November 30.

Zone 5 includes portions of Palm Desert, Bermuda Dunes, and Indio, areas where access to healthcare, housing stability, and supportive services remain critical issues. Smith’s appointment brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the District’s governing board at a pivotal time for regional healthcare planning.

A Palm Desert resident, Smith currently serves as a staff attorney at Starting Over Inc., a nonprofit housing and reentry services provider that works directly with unhoused and formerly incarcerated individuals and families. In this role, she has been deeply involved in addressing the intersection of housing insecurity, legal advocacy, and health outcomes—an increasingly important focus for healthcare districts nationwide.

Smith’s background also includes prior roles as 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. This diverse experience across legal services, public policy, and direct service provision positions her to bring a well-rounded, solutions-oriented perspective to the board.

The Desert Healthcare District plays a vital role in funding clinics, behavioral health services, wellness programs, and community-based organizations throughout the Coachella Valley. Board members are responsible for ensuring that investments address health disparities, strengthen safety-net services, and reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

Smith’s appointment represents a meaningful step toward inclusive, community-informed leadership in healthcare governance. Her professional background and commitment to equity are expected to strengthen the District’s efforts to expand access to care and improve health outcomes for underserved populations across the region.

Urban Palm Springs congratulates Anyse Smith on her appointment and looks forward to the positive impact her leadership will have on healthcare equity and community wellness throughout the Coachella Valley.