Prop 409 supports sustainability, care for the vulnerable

Independent Newsmedia

As someone who has spent decades fighting for a livable future, I know that health justice and climate justice are deeply connected. In Maricopa County, climate change is no longer a distant threat — it’s here. Extreme heat, dangerous air quality and wildfire smoke are harming our communities right now, especially low-income, uninsured and vulnerable populations.

Valleywise Health stands on the front lines of these overlapping crises, providing critical care to those most impacted. Voting yes on Proposition 409 will allow Valleywise to upgrade its hospitals and expand access to neighborhood health centers — ensuring our communities have the emergency, respiratory and preventive care they need as climate threats intensify.

Importantly, Valleywise is also planning for a more sustainable future, prioritizing energy-efficient, resilient infrastructure. Public investment in health infrastructure must also be an investment in environmental stewardship.

Let’s meet the moment. Vote yes on Prop 409 to protect our people, our health and our future.

Editor’s note: Sandy Bahr is director of the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.