Mayor Kate Gallego
Submitted photo/BillMoree.com
By Mayor Kate Gallego | Phoenix
Proposition 409 is a responsible and necessary investment in our region’s health care system. It will allow Valleywise Health — a vitally important teaching hospital — to expand emergency and inpatient care, rebuild aging community health centers and improve access to behavioral health services.
Valleywise plays a vital role in our health care network, providing care for the underserved as well as our most vulnerable. Every year, it serves over 10,000 behavioral health patients, treats 8,000 burn victims and provides trauma care to more than 1,800 patients.
Valleywise has served our city employees including our first responders at their time of greatest need. It is also the only provider of court-ordered mental health evaluations in Maricopa County. Prop 409 will ensure Valleywise can meet growing demand and continue to serve those who rely on it most.
As mayor of Phoenix, I’ve focused on building a strong, resilient city — one that attracts new businesses and good-paying jobs while improving quality of life.
We’ve made great strides, from landing a $165 billion semiconductor investment to strengthening our position in bioscience and advanced manufacturing. However, the Phoenix of the future also requires a strong health care system to support our residents.
Prop 409 supports public health, creates good jobs and ensures access to care for the most vulnerable. It’s the kind of forward-thinking investment Phoenix needs. I urge you to join me in voting yes on Prop 409.
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.