September 30, 2023

Message from DAP: Borrego Health Integration

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Borrego Springs

Navigating the Future of Healthcare in Borrego Springs

Hello, Borrego Springs locals! We’ve got information to share with you about the integration of DAP Health with Borrego Health.

New Physicians and Specialties

First things first, let’s talk about the doctors. We know that having access to a variety of healthcare specialists is crucial for our community. According to DAP Health, there’s good news on the horizon. Over the next couple of years, they plan to hire a significant number of new providers.

  • In 2024, they intend to bring on board 27 new healthcare providers.
  • In 2025, an additional 20 providers will join the team.

These new providers will cover a wide range of specialties, including women’s health, pediatrics, primary care, mental health, and dentistry. This expansion aims to offer a broader range of services and increase access to specialized care for us, the residents of Borrego Springs.

Changes in Clinics and Health Care Facilities

Change can be unsettling, especially when it comes to our healthcare. But DAP Health wants us to know that this integration is all about enhancing the patient experience. Over the next 12 months, they are committed to improving patient care and services.

Some of the changes we can expect include:

  • Extended clinic hours.
  • Weekend visits.
  • Improved emergency contact options.
  • The addition of mental health support and other services consistent with DAP Health’s comprehensive offerings.

These changes are all designed to provide us with better access to care and a more well-rounded healthcare experience.

Improvements in Patient Care

We all want healthcare that is easy to access and tailored to our needs. DAP Health has plans to make our lives easier by implementing EPIC electronic health records (EHR). This system will bring several improvements, such as:

  • Better scheduling options.
  • Improved communication with our healthcare providers.
  • Efficient lab result reviews.
  • Integration with other healthcare systems.
  • A unified patient record system.
  • A user-friendly patient portal called MyChart.

This upgrade aims to streamline the patient experience, making it more convenient and efficient.

Community Engagement

DAP Health understands that improving health outcomes involves more than just medical care. It’s about engaging with our community, local organizations, government agencies, and businesses. They are actively meeting with leaders and organizations to address community needs and concerns. This shows their commitment to working with us to make our town healthier.

New Programs and Services

While specific details are still under wraps, DAP Health is actively exploring opportunities to introduce new programs and services that cater to the unique needs of Borrego Springs’ diverse population. This includes services like mammograms and screenings that can be conducted right here in town.

We’re eager to learn more about these offerings in the future!

Collaboration Benefits for Patients

The collaboration between DAP Health and Borrego Health promises several benefits for us, the patients. These include:

  • Improved access to care at more sites.
  • Access to additional specialists.
  • A commitment to enhancing patient satisfaction and positive health outcomes.

In other words, it’s all about making sure we receive the best care possible.

Transition for Patients

Change can be daunting, especially when it comes to something as personal as healthcare. DAP Health wants to reassure us that they are taking steps to ensure a smooth and transparent transition for long-time patients.

Some important points to note:

  • All Borrego Health employees have been offered employment at DAP Health, ensuring continuity of staff we are familiar with.
  • Patients will retain their providers and care teams as they become patients of DAP Health.
  • The Borrego Springs Pharmacy will continue to operate with maintained hours, preserving accessibility for patients.

These measures are in place to make sure our transition is as seamless as possible.

Contact for Questions and Concerns

(Read the direct response from DAP here.)

For any questions or concerns regarding the operations of the clinic, DAP Health has provided contact information for Nereida “Nedy” Terrazas at nterrazas@daphealth.org and COO Corina Velasquez at cvelasquez@daphealth.org. They are here to address inquiries and support the community, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Healthcare Transformation: DAP Health and Borrego Health Integration Brings Brighter Future to Borrego Springs Residents

The integration of DAP Health with Borrego Health promises exciting changes and improvements to our healthcare system. As residents of Borrego Springs, we can look forward to enhanced access to care, a broader range of specialties, and a more patient-focused experience.

We appreciate DAP Health taking the time to provide us with these insights and hope that this information has been helpful. As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts and feedback. Let’s work together to make our community healthier and stronger!

>> DAP Health and Borrego Health Become One Integrated Health Care System

Email Communication From DAP

Thank you for your questions regarding DAP Health’s integration with Borrego Health. We appreciate your diligence in seeking information on how this partnership will impact the Borrego Springs Clinic, its patients, and its services. Below, please find responses to your questions. I’ve combined some information to better highlight our plans to improve the patient experience. 

1)    New Physicians and Specialties: We are excited to share that in the coming 24 months, we have significant plans to enhance our provider team throughout our entire system of clinics. In 2024, we intend to hire 27 new providers, and in 2025, an additional 20 providers will join our ranks. These new additions will cover various specialties, including women’s health, pediatrics, primary care, mental health, and dentistry. This expansion aims to offer a broader range of services and increase access to specialized care for our patients. 

2)    Changes in Clinics and Health Care Facilities: The integration of DAP Health and Borrego Health is driven by our commitment to delivering culturally competent care while addressing the unique needs of our diverse patient populations. Over the next 12 months, we are dedicated to improving patient care and services. This includes actively exploring opportunities to enhance services, such as extended hours, weekend visits, and improved emergency contacts. Furthermore, we plan to add mental health support and other services consistent with DAP Health’s comprehensive offerings. 

3)    Improvements in Patient Care: Our focus over the next year is to enhance the patient’s experience by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and offering comprehensive, accessible, and culturally sensitive care. We will implement EPIC electronic health records (EHR) to improve scheduling, communication with providers, lab result review, and more. This system will seamlessly integrate with other health care systems, provide unified patient records, offer robust data analytics tools, and facilitate patient engagement through the MyChart patient portal. 

4)    Community Engagement: We understand the importance of engaging with local community organizations, government agencies, and businesses to improve overall health outcomes for residents. We are actively meeting with leaders and organizations to address community needs and concerns.  

5)    New Programs and Services: We are actively exploring opportunities to introduce new programs and services that cater to the unique needs of Borrego Springs’ diverse population. While we cannot provide specific details at this moment, we share your enthusiasm for services such as mammograms and screenings that can be conducted locally. 

6)    Collaboration Benefits for Patients: The collaboration between DAP Health and Borrego Health will bring numerous benefits to patients, including improved access to care at more sites, and access to additional specialists. Our commitment is to enhance patient satisfaction and positive health outcomes. 

7)    Transition for Patients: Ensuring a smooth and transparent transition for longtime patients is a top priority. All Borrego Health employees have been offered employment at DAP Health, ensuring continuity of staff with whom patients are familiar. Patients will retain their providers and care teams as they become patients of DAP Health. Additionally, the Borrego Springs Pharmacy will continue to operate with maintained hours, preserving accessibility for patients. 

8)    Contact for Questions and Concerns: For any questions or concerns regarding the operations of the clinic, residents can contact Associate COO Nereida “Nedy” Terrazas at nterrazas@daphealth.org and/or COO Corina Velasquez at cvelasquez@daphealth.org. They are here to address inquiries and provide support to the community. 

We hope this information addresses your questions. We remain committed to delivering exceptional care and service to the Borrego Springs community as part of our integrated health care system. Should you or community members require further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your continued interest in our efforts to improve health care in the region, and welcome feedback from your readers that will assist us in reaching this goal. 

*QUICK TAKE* ABOUT DAP

DAP Health’s mission is to enhance and promote community health and well-being. Established in 1984 during the AIDS crisis, it initially focused on those affected by HIV/AIDS. Today, DAP Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing comprehensive healthcare services, including primary medical care, HIV and Hepatitis specialty care, dentistry, behavioral health, and social services.

The organization is rooted in volunteerism, with over 400 volunteers contributing around 60,000 hours annually. DAP Health serves low-income and medically underserved community members in the Coachella Valley, where HIV infection rates are significantly higher than the national average.

To address these disparities, DAP Health offers various services, implements electronic health records for better patient care, collaborates with the community, and explores new programs. Their goal is to provide holistic, accessible, and compassionate care despite the ongoing challenges of HIV.

DAP Health’s history reflects its commitment to addressing evolving healthcare needs in the region, from HIV testing to cancer care, food distribution, dental care, housing support, and more. Their recent expansion aims to further increase access to affordable healthcare for underserved populations.

Learn more: www.daphealth.org

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Shadow on the Moon

February 25, 2026
By Dennis Mammana Week of March 1-7, 2026 Attention, night owls and insomniacs! The sky show this week is just for you! Much of North America is about to see the moon experience one of nature's most beautiful sky shows: a total lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon slips into the Earth's shadow far out in space, either partially or completely, and that's just what will happen during the wee hours of March 3. Skywatchers throughout North America will see the start of this eclipse (weather permitting, of course), but depending on where you live, you may see only a portion of the sky show. In general, the farther west you live, the more of the eclipse you will see before the moon sets behind the western horizon. The eclipse begins at 12:44 a.m. PST (3:44 a.m. EST), when the moon enters the Earth's light outer shadow (known as the penumbra), but this shadow is so thin that no one will notice a darkening of the moon's appearance. Within an hour or so, that will change significantly. As the moon approaches the dark inner shadow of the Earth (known as the umbra), skywatchers will notice the eastern side of the moon beginning to darken slightly. The real show begins at 1:50 a.m. PST (4:50 a.m. EST) when the moon officially enters the umbra. No one gazing skyward will have any doubt that a "bite" has been taken out of the moon — a bite that will grow larger with each passing minute. For the next hour or so, the moon will dim as it slips more deeply into our planet's umbra, until 3:04 a.m. PST (6:04 a.m. EST) when it's completely engulfed and the total eclipse begins. Unfortunately, those in the far eastern part of North America may miss this since the moon will lie quite close to (or even below) the western horizon. During the total phase, the moon will take on a dim coppery hue. This occurs because sunlight passing through our atmosphere is reddened and bent inward toward the darkened surface of the eclipsed moon, now suspended eerily against the stars of Leo, the lion. Only those viewing from the Midwest to the West Coast will see mid-eclipse, which occurs at 3:33 a.m. PST (5:33 a.m. CST). Those in the Midwest may miss the end of totality at 4:02 a.m. PST (6:02 a.m. CST), however, as the moon will be setting in the west. The entire event will end at 5:17 a.m. PST (4:17 a.m. MST) with the moon approaching the western horizon for viewers in western North America. Unlike an eclipse of the sun, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to view without protective filters. Your eyes are all you need to enjoy the show, but you'll have even more fun viewing through binoculars or a small telescope. If the sky is cloudy that morning, or if you live where the eclipse won't be visible, you can watch a livestream of the sky show online. Visit timeanddate.com and click on "Sun, Moon & Space" at the top to find details for your location, as well as links to view the eclipse live online. Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.  Learn More About Borrego Springs

New Acupuncturist in Borrego Springs

February 24, 2026
Borrego Springs continues to expand its wellness community with the arrival of Mountain Healing Acupuncture, led by Lara Koljonen, a dedicated practitioner of holistic medicine since 2008. Lara brings more than 15 years of experience in acupuncture and integrative care, focusing on empowering patients to better understand their bodies and take an active role in their health. Her philosophy centers on the idea that life is like a garden. The more we care for it, the more vibrant and resilient it becomes. Through education, treatment, and ongoing support, she helps patients cultivate long-term wellness. Her approach blends eastern and western methods, bridging traditional acupuncture with modern health understanding. Treatments are designed to support pain relief, stress reduction, balance, and overall vitality in a safe and nurturing environment. Mountain Healing Acupuncture emphasizes continued learning and integrating new therapies to best serve patients. Lara works to both heal and educate, encouraging clients to build sustainable habits that strengthen their physical and emotional well-being. Contact: Mountain Healing Acupuncture 619.980.0745 Borrego Springs continues to grow as a destination for wellness, and the addition of a long-practicing acupuncturist adds another valuable resource for those seeking holistic support close to home. 

Borrego and Beyond: A Backcountry Day Trip

February 23, 2026
East County Magazine Highlights Borrego and Backcountry Loop East County Magazine recently published a feature on a full day scenic drive through San Diego County’s backcountry, with Borrego Springs at the center of the experience The article outlines a 12 hour loop connecting desert, mountain, and lake destinations, positioning Borrego as a key stop within a broader regional itinerary. Destinations Featured in the Article Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Drive Christmas Circle visitor information location, 587 Palm Canyon Drive Wildflower viewing along Henderson Canyon Road Hiking areas including: Borrego Palm Canyon Coyote Canyon Hellhole Canyon The Slot Font’s Point Wind Caves Elephant Tree Trail Yaqui Well Trail Cactus Loop Nature Trail ‘Ehmuu-Morteros Trail Public Art and Local Highlights Ricardo Breceda metal sculptures in Borrego Springs The Pilot House near Borrego Valley Airport Christmas Circle K-RAM 90.5 FM Resorts and Dining La Casa del Zorro Backcountry Route Stops Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel Ranchita and the Rancheti Yeti statue Montezuma Grade, S22 scenic descent Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area Julian and Banner Grade Julian Pie Company Mom’s Pie House Eagle Mining Company Menghini Winery Historic Julian downtown Banner Ranch Lake Cuyamaca The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca Wildlife viewing including pelicans, heron, vultures, and deer Why This Coverage Matters The feature presents Borrego Springs as a central anchor within a larger backcountry journey. It connects wildflowers, desert art, scenic mountain drives, Julian’s historic district, and Lake Cuyamaca into one enjoyable day trip. For full route details, travel logistics, safety tips, and seasonal notes, read the complete article published by East County Magazine. Learn More About Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs Community Radio | KRAM 90.5 FM

By Jake Hinton • February 23, 2026
San Diego Public Media is on KRAM 90.5 FM Borrego Springs 

Borrego Springs Dog Show at Springs RV Park

February 21, 2026
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. – approximately 1:00 p.m. Location: Springs Amphitheater Dog Participation: Open to Roadrunner Club / Springs RV Park dogs only Public Attendance: Free and open to the public to watch and cheer

Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest | March 7, 2026 at Dusk

February 21, 2026
PEG LEG SMITH LIAR’S CONTEST Since 1916 To Date The next saga of the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest is a month away, Saturday March 7th . Location American Legion Post #853 4515 Borrego Springs Road Borrego Springs, Ca. Date March 7th, 2026 Time Dusk Who Thomas Long Smith , miner, horse thief, Indian fighter, and notorious liar. Google him for details or YouTube for videos. What A 100 plus year old event , a perpetuation of prevarication, where participants at the event manufacture the truth or a lie about a real person, Thomas Long Smith , aka Peg Leg Smith , who allegedly found, then lost, a gold mine in the Borrego Valley back in the mid-1800’s. He existed. The mine is what is in question. Why Must be fun. It’s been held here in the Valley nearly every year, give or take a few world wars and related interferences…… since 1916 . Rules None. Just make up a lie about him, or not even him—most anything—that is interesting, logical, entertaining, relatively short ( 10 minutes or less ). If it is good and you just show up and lie, you will receive a trophy (recycled) and a nice certificate good enough to frame . Judging There are three judges , all veterans of the event, all with 20 or more years doing so. The Chief Judge , me, has been judging since 1982 (no remuneration, free, poor judgement on my part). Winners are not chosen on bribery or status, but on three major categories : Quality of the lie ( 10 points max ) Performance in presenting it ( 10 points max ) Garb, stunts, random foolishness, helpers, music, or whatever ( 5 points max ) The last five points only separate the scores, as even last-minute sign-ups during the event are competitive. If we have children under 10 years of age , we will have a child judging category as well. Audience & Participation It is a liar’s contest. We can have 50, 100, 150 or more in the audience, but without liars…there is no contest . Sign up at the event Viewers bring a folding chair Bring non-alcoholic beverages (the Legion has a full bar) Sit outside near the campfire (held outside always—dress accordingly) Services Bathrooms, bar, and kitchen courtesy of the Legion and volunteers. Dinner is available—might be pulled pork again by popular demand , or not. It is a liar’s contest. Actually, I might be lying to you now. The Only Truth It will occur rain or shine , at the date and time , at the Legion . Bring a Lie It can be a short one, bad one, dumb one about anything you want to lie about—or even the truth is welcome. Just say his name, then run off in any direction you lie about best. You probably won’t know anyone there except a few friends that might have come along, so you can’t be embarrassed in front of strangers. Prepare to lie. We ALWAYS need liars . Even bad ones. Again, Google the contest to learn more. It is always fun and out of doors. What could be better than that? Oh, free as well. Jim McKenna Learn More About Borrego Springs
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