The need for behavioral health services has grown dramatically in recent years, particularly among marginalized communities like those I serve in LD11.
Population growth and economic insecurity both put increasing strain on our public health infrastructure, especially for mental health providers and substance abuse treatment programs.
For many of my constituents, the Valleywise Health public hospital system is the one place they can access medical and behavioral health care to address chronic illnesses, emergency medicine, maternity care and mental health care without fear of going into medical debt.
Valleywise is the only public hospital network in the county and saves lives with its services.
A yes vote on Proposition 409 will enable Valleywise Health to expand access to critical services and modernize facilities for the long-term. The bond will create a new Behavioral Health Hospital right here in South Phoenix to replace the existing building that is too small to meet the increased demand.
As the largest in-patient Behavioral Health hospital in Arizona, it is critical that these facilities can meet the needs of our growing county and deliver the best health care possible for our low-income and marginalized families and neighbors.
I’m enthusiastically voting yes on Prop 409 and I hope you will do the same.
Editor’s note: State Sen. Catherine Miranda represents LD11 in the Arizona Senate. She lives in Laveen. 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.
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