Desert Regional Medical Center launches Pride Weekend with Pride Flag unfurling ceremony
Cynthia White
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Desert Care Network kicked off Palm Springs Pride weekend with a ceremonial unfurling of the Pride Flag from the El Mirador Bell Tower at Desert Regional Medical Center on Wednesday.
“Our unfurling of the Pride flag has grown into a cherished tradition at our hospital,” said Desert Regional Medical Center CEO Mike Ditoro. “The Bell Tower on our Stergios Building is an historic landmark for the City of Palm Springs, and it is inspiring to so many of us to see the flag welcoming everyone to town for one of Palm Springs’ biggest events.”
The role of honorary flag bearer went to Carl Taussig-Eilman, RN, who started at Desert Regional Medical Center as a monitor tech in 2015, graduated from nursing school in 2018 and rose through the ranks to become a Clinical Manager for the ICU, and most recently, a House Supervisor.
“Displaying the rainbow flag, especially on such a grand scale, serves as a signal that Desert Regional is a safe space and acts as a life-saving invitation to care,” said Taussig-Eilman. “That commitment is one of the reasons I’m so proud to have worked here for the last 10 years.”
Desert Regional Medical Center has been a participant and sponsor of Palm Springs Pride for many years – This year marks the 10th year the hospital has celebrated the unfurling of the Pride flag. The hospital also has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for its dedication to providing a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ patients, staff, and visitors.