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     More than 400 doctors, five walk-in clinics and three major hospitals serve the Coachella Valley. The Riverside County Department of Health operates clinics in Indio and Palm Springs that provide immunizations, health care and nutrition services to low-income individuals or families.

     In Palm Springs, the Desert Regional Medical Center offers a heart center, comprehensive cancer center, a neonatal intensive care unit, a pediatric center and a community health-screening center.

     In Rancho Mirage, the Eisenhower Medical Center houses the Betty Ford Center for chemical dependency, the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center and the Heart Institute. Nearby Indio features the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, which offers maternity services, pediatric care, intensive care and coronary care facilities as well as health education programs. Also, Charter Behavioral Health Services operates a Cathedral City facility.

     Valley seniors seek care in doctors' offices or even closer to home if they live in one of the areas' numerous rest homes or retirement communities. Many of the facilities offer private living quarters, 24-hour response care, on-site medical services and meals. Each valley city also has a senior center or senior programs that provide elderly residents with health resource information, meals and activities. Hospice care, through paid hospice staff and volunteers, is available throughout the area.

     In addition to traditional medicine, the valley features several acupuncture clinics, chiropractic offices and physicians specializing in homeopathic remedies. The valley also has a high number of skin care specialists and plastic surgeons.

     A host of health support groups operate in the valley, ranging from the Alzheimer's Disease group that meets in Palm Springs to the Young Parkinson's Support Group at Eisenhower Medical Center.