CONTACT:
Franchesca Forrer
760-861-1392
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Center Named First Blue Zones Project Palm Springs Approved Worksite
Palm Springs, CA (April 13, 2026) — Blue Zones Project Palm Springs proudly celebrates The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert as the first officially approved worksite in the local initiative, marking a major milestone in advancing well-being across the community.
From day one, The Center has been a cornerstone partner in building a healthier, more inclusive Palm Springs. This designation recognizes The Center’s commitment to implementing a series of evidence-based best practices inspired by the Blue Zones Project’s Power 9® principles—helping both employees and clients live better, longer.
To achieve approval, The Center:
- Enhanced physical spaces to encourage movement and connection
- Fostered strong social networks that build belonging and support
- Promoted purpose and meaning in daily work and life
- Optimized policies to make healthy choices the easy choices
Together, these efforts create an environment where well-being is woven into the culture—benefiting staff, visitors, and the broader community.
Blue Ribbon Celebration – Saturday, April 18
At The Center, 1301 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
11:00 AM – 12:30PM Blue Ribbon Celebration
12:30PM – 4PM Center Open House
RSVP here: Blue Ribbon Celebration
The public is invited to join a vibrant Blue Ribbon Celebration honoring this achievement, featuring:
- Blue Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- Remarks from City of Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto and Councilmember Ron deHarte
- House DJ and daytime dance party
- Healthy bites and refreshments, including Smoothie Bike mini date shakes and healthy popsicles
- Giveaways, prizes, and games including a free Blue Zones Swag bag for any guests who bring a bag of non-perishable groceries for The Center’s Community Food Bank
- Interactive natural movement experiences inspired by The Center’s diverse well-being programming
- Open House to learn more about The Center’s programs and services
“This recognition reflects what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision of health, inclusion, and belonging,” said City of Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto. “The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert continues to lead by example, creating a space where everyone can thrive.”
Blue Zones Project Palm Springs Executive Director, Mihai Patru, agrees saying “The Center’s leadership and commitment to well-being set a powerful standard for worksites across Palm Springs. From well-being practices and spaces for their staff to sourcing produce from local farms for their Community Food Bank, they’ve embedded health into their culture in meaningful, lasting ways.”
“At our core, we believe well-being should be accessible to everyone,” said Center CEO Mike Thompson. “This partnership with Blue Zones Project Palm Springs strengthens our ability to support our staff and community in living healthier, more connected lives.”
This milestone underscores the shared commitment between Blue Zones Project Palm Springs and The Center to create a healthier, happier, and more inclusive community for all.
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
About The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center)
With a mission of creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ+ people along their way, The Center’s work stretches across the Coachella Valley. From its McDonald/Wright Building in Palm Springs to The Center Coachella, the Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic, and the Community Food Bank, The Center offers an astounding range of programs and services to people of diverse ages, races, and identities. Named one of America’s Most Admired nonprofits for its impact and workplace culture, The Center focuses its work on ending isolation and loneliness, connecting people to resources and community, and enriching our individual and collective experiences. More information is at thecentercv.org or on social media @thecentercv and @thecentercoachella.
