As Maricopa County gears up for the upcoming November ballot, a pivotal decision awaits voters that could transform the healthcare landscape for the region’s rapidly expanding population. Proposition 409 seeks to inject $898 million into Valleywise Health, the county’s essential public teaching hospital and safety net for healthcare.
The proposed bond aims to revitalize Valleywise Health’s infrastructure to better serve the county’s burgeoning population of 4.6 million, cementing its status as the fourth largest in the country. Proposition 409 would fund extensive renovations and expansions, catering to the healthcare needs of Maricopa County residents.
Dr. Michael White, Valleywise’s chief clinical officer, emphasized the hospital’s inclusive approach, stating, “We serve millions of visits per year. We do not turn anyone away. Anyone who needs care will get care within our organization.”
Should voters approve the measure, property taxes would rise by 11 cents per $100 of net assessed limited property value, translating to an additional $220 annually for a property valued at $200,000.
Key initiatives under Proposition 409 include constructing a modern behavioral health hospital, doubling bed capacity, enhancing emergency services, and building a new outpatient specialty center. Further funds would address updates to the Chandler and South Central health centers, alongside bolstering medical student training.
“Using this bonding vehicle through the property tax makes sure that we are being fair and equitable to serve all the citizens across the county,” noted White, highlighting the equitable distribution of resources.
Valleywise Health not only stands as Arizona’s largest public teaching hospital but also plays a crucial role in training over 3,000 residents in various medical disciplines. The proposed bond would further support medical education, which White views as vital for cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Earl Wilcox, a former Arizona legislator and current board member of Valleywise Health, sees the bond as a necessary step. Through his local restaurant, El Portal, he remains in touch with community struggles, advocating for enhanced healthcare access through Proposition 409.
He recounted an instance where Valleywise swiftly treated a local resident with a severe urinary issue, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to immediate and compassionate care. “We try not to be bureaucratic. They come in with a fever, with a broken arm, they’re going to have a baby – we take care of them,” he stated.
Arizona’s challenges with mental health care access are stark, ranking 48th according to Mental Health America’s 2024 report. The 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the Arizona Department of Health Services showed that a quarter of teens contemplated suicide in the previous year, while Maricopa County’s suicide rate in 2023 was 17.5 per 100,000 people, surpassing the national average.
Substance abuse remains a pressing issue, with Maricopa County recording the highest nonfatal opioid overdose rate in the state, as per the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, supports Proposition 409, stressing the need for enhanced capacity for court-ordered treatment. “It’s not like a sinus infection, where you take the antibiotics and it clears up. Some of these psych meds take a long time to start working, and so we need a lot more capacity for court-ordered treatment,” he explained.
With the 2023 Opioid and Substance Abuse Needs Assessment calling for expanded care access, proponents of Proposition 409 view it as a chance to realize a shared vision for the community.
Wilcox encapsulated Valleywise’s unique role: “We’re unique in a sense,” he said, “People that have whatever reasons to not feel comfortable going to the major hospital, they come to us. We see them with dignity and compassion.”
For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.
—
Read More Arizona News
