New Coachella Valley Community Health Survey Highlights Food Insecurity, Low Vaccination Rates and Climate Impacts

New data released today is shedding light on the health and well-being of residents across the Coachella Valley.

The latest findings from the Coachella Valley Community Health Survey were unveiled during a special event hosted by HARC and Desert Oasis Healthcare at the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert campus.

Conducted every three years, the survey offers one of the most comprehensive snapshots of local health trends and serves as a critical tool for community organizations, healthcare providers and policymakers working to address the valley’s most pressing challenges.

HARC — which stands for Health Assessment and Research for Communities — surveyed more than 2,800 adults and children across the Coachella Valley in both English and Spanish. Participants were asked about a wide range of topics, including food access, vaccinations, chronic disease, mental health and, for the first time, disaster preparedness and extreme weather experiences.

One of the most alarming findings: food insecurity has sharply increased since 2022.

According to the data, one in four Coachella Valley adults reported having to skip meals during the day because they could not afford food. Even more concerning, one in 10 said they went an entire day without eating due to lack of funds.

Community leaders say those numbers underscore the growing economic strain facing many local families.

The survey also revealed a significant drop in flu vaccination rates compared to previous years.

LeComte-Hinley said vaccination rates are lower than they were in 2016. The data shows only 4 percent of Coachella Valley residents reported receiving a flu shot.

Healthcare providers say the decline raises concerns about preventable illness and the need for stronger outreach efforts.

For the first time, this year’s survey asked residents about their experiences with extreme weather events and natural disaster preparedness — highlighting the growing impact of climate-related health challenges. Between 2022 and 2025, 33 percent of Coachella Valley residents reported fair or poor air quality in their neighborhoods. Additionally, 23 percent of adults said air quality prevented them from engaging in outdoor activities.

The survey also found that Coachella Valley residents were twice as likely as residents in the rest of Riverside County or California to experience flooding or mudslides within the past two years.

Organizers emphasized that the survey is not just about identifying problems — but about driving solutions. Local healthcare providers say they rely on the data to expand services, target underserved communities and develop programs that address documented needs.

This year’s event also went beyond a traditional presentation, featuring youth-created artwork inspired by the findings and highlighting how community partners have used past survey results to implement measurable policy and program changes.

The full 2025 Coachella Valley Community Health Survey findings are now available to the public at HARC’s website, harcdata.org. Organizers hope making the data freely accessible will empower residents, nonprofits and policymakers to work collaboratively toward building a healthier and more equitable Coachella Valley.