FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2026
Media Contact:
Franchesca Forrer
Blue Zones Project Palm Springs
760-861-1392
franchesca@bluezones.com
BLUE ZONES PROJECT PALM SPRINGS WELCOMES PALM SPRINGS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AS ITS NEWEST APPROVED WORKSITE PARTNER
This designation builds on Palm Springs Unified School District’s long-established well-being initiatives and launches an expanded partnership with Blue Zones Project Palm Springs designed to help more than 2,700 educators and staff live healthier, happier, and longer lives.
PALM SPRINGS, CA— Blue Zones Project Palm Springs today announced that Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) has earned its designation as the newest Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite partner, recognizing the District’s ongoing commitment to employee well-being and its dedication to creating a workplace culture where healthy choices are easier and more accessible for all staff and families. PSUSD exceeded the baseline for approval by an astounding 42%, which is a testament to their longtime commitment to employee well-being.
With thousands of employees across the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs Unified School District has the unique ability to influence well-being far beyond its campuses. When educators and staff embrace healthier lifestyles, the benefits naturally extend to their families, friends, and the communities they call home. This collective effort also supports many of the goals Superintendent Dr. Marcus Funchess set for 2026: a sense of belonging and connectedness along with culture and organizational excellence.
The recognition builds upon PSUSD’s existing investment in employee wellness, a holistic approach which includes initiatives led by the PSUSD’s Wellness Committee and innovative programs such as Wellness on Wheels—a staff/student-led initiative that brings healthy snacks, engaging activities, and wellness resources directly to educators in their classrooms. Through its partnership with Blue Zones Project Palm Springs, PSUSD has been able to enhance and refine these existing efforts and incorporate new events and programs, like Purpose Workshops, cooking classes, and more.
As part of this expanded partnership, PSUSD’s Risk Management team will launch an exclusive educator discount program featuring participating Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants, businesses, and service-based organizations throughout Palm Springs. The initiative will at once encourage educators and staff to explore local businesses that share a commitment to well-being and inspire them to connect with their community where they live, work, and play.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Blue Zones Project and to be designated as an approved partner as the health and wellness of our PSUSD family — staff and scholars — is a priority for us,” said PSUSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marcus Funchess.
“We are honored that Palm Springs Unified School District has been recognized as a Blue Zones Approved Partner,” said Director of Risk Management, Renee Brunelle. “Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and this partnership reflects our commitment to helping them feel valued, supported, and connected. By focusing on staff health and well-being, we are creating a stronger workplace and a healthier PSUSD community. When our employees are well, they are better able to support our scholars, families, and one another.”
Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto celebrated the partnership as an example of how organizations can build upon existing strengths to create meaningful, lasting change.
“For years, Palm Springs Unified School District has focused on employee well-being through a series of programs and initiatives that support the health and happiness of its educators, staff, and their families. By partnering with Blue Zones Project Palm Springs, the District has been able to celebrate these efforts and add new resources, opportunities, and connections that make healthy choices even easier. PSUSD is setting an incredible example for businesses and organizations throughout our city by showing what is possible when we prioritize the well-being of the people who make our community thrive.”
Blue Zones Project Palm Springs Executive Director Mihai Patru said the partnership represents an important step in creating a healthier workplace culture for those who dedicate their lives to supporting students.
“The well-being of a community is shaped by the well-being of the people who show up every day to serve it,” said Mihai Patru, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Palm Springs. “Our teachers, administrators, and school staff don’t just educate the next generation—they inspire it, nurture it, and help young people discover who they can become. Palm Springs Unified School District recognizes that caring for those who care for others is one of the most strategic investments any community can make. We’re honored to begin this journey together, creating a workplace where healthy choices are easier, connections are stronger, and more than 2,700 employees have the opportunity to thrive—not only at work, but in life.”
This fall, a Blue Ribbon Celebration recognizing Palm Springs Unified School District as a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite will be held and through workshops, special events, wellness programs, community partnerships, and employee engagement opportunities, the two organizations will work hand in hand to continue supporting the well-being of PSUSD employees.
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About Blue Zones in Riverside County
Blue Zones Project® is brought to Riverside County by Blue Zones and leading organizations Riverside University Health System – Public Health, Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, and Eisenhower Health. In collaboration with the County of Riverside and the Cities of Riverside, Banning, Palm Springs, and Coachella, this innovative partnership brings together private and public organizations under a shared vision to support, build, and measurably improve community well-being across the County. Blue Zones Projects have launched in Riverside, Banning, Coachella, and Palm Springs, while Mead Valley begins a policy-focused Blue Zones Activate. Over five years, local leadership and the local Blue Zones Project teams will implement the Blue Zones Life Radius® model to make healthy choices easier throughout the region through permanent and semi-permanent changes to the built environment, food environment, public policies, and social networks. www.bluezonesprojectpalmsprings.com
