La Paz supervisors approve letter of support for Desert Sunita Community Health Center expansion

The La Paz County Board of Supervisors on June 16 approved a letter of support for Desert Sunita Community Health Center as the organization pursues federal authorization and grant funding to open a clinic in Quartzsite.

Dan Barber, chief executive officer of Desert Sunita (presented as "Desert Community Health Center" in materials), and Eric Veggas, chief contracts and compliance officer, told the board the center aims to open an initial clinic within about a year in a retail plaza near downtown Quartzsite and to expand services over a multi‑year plan to include dental, physical therapy, behavioral health and eventually a critical access 23‑hour care facility.

Barber said Desert Sunita operates federally qualified health centers in other communities and emphasized the center's approach to integrated care, local hiring, and support for patients facing social‑determinant barriers. "The biggest difference between community health centers and other types of health care providers in the community is that we really are a one-stop shop," he said in the presentation.

Board members, including Supervisor Plunkett and others, expressed support and noted the county’s need for greater local access to primary and emergency care as nearby hospitals scale back inpatient services. The board moved and seconded approval of a letter of support included in the meeting packet; the motion carried.

Presenters asked the county for a nonbinding letter of support to accompany applications for federal authorization and grants. Barber described the letter as helpful but not obligatory for Desert Sunita’s federal processes. No county funding commitment was requested or approved during the meeting; the action was limited to a supportive letter.