Clinton Foundation begins health project in Coachella Valley

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The Clinton Foundation has launched a project to reduce health disparities in the Coachella Valley, one of only two U.S. communities being targeted by the new effort.

The project, Clinton Health Matters Initiative, aims to reduce preventable diseases, cut healthcare costs and bridge health gaps between poor and wealthy residents. Organizers brought together more than 100 people Thursday to begin planning how to improve the health of the residents of the region.

The Coachella Valley includes wealthier towns like Palm Springs and poorer communities like Mecca. About 80% of the children in the area live in poverty, and many families lack access to healthcare and healthy communities, according to the foundation.

The project plans to involve corporations, healthcare organizations and schools to accomplish its mission. The foundation has made a seven-year commitment to the national initiative, which is beginning in California and Little Rock, Ark., said Ginny Ehrlich, chief executive officer of the initiative.

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-- Anna Gorman