Valley Interfaith Project, a broad-based, non-partisan organization of churches, unions and non-profit associations committed to building power for sustainable, social, and economic development change has endorsed and supports passage of Proposition 409.

If approved, Proposition 409 authorizes the Maricopa County Special Health Care District to issue bonds to fund critical improvements for Valleywise Health in Maricopa County.

For generations, Valleywise Health has served as a beacon of hope and a safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors. It is a place where every person, regardless of their background or circumstance, can find quality medical care. However, as our county's population has grown, so has the demand on our healthcare infrastructure—especially for behavioral and mental health services.

Proposition 409 is a compassionate and just response to this urgent need. It will authorize a crucial investment to:

• Replace and expand the aging behavioral health annex with a modern, 200-bed hospital, effectively doubling the capacity for those experiencing serious mental illness.
• Modernize and expand emergency and trauma departments, ensuring victims and first responders receive timely and specialized care.
• Improve access to care in underserved communities by building new outpatient specialty centers and health clinics.

“Our faith traditions teach that we are called to care for the sick, comfort the distressed, and love our neighbor. Investing in robust healthcare infrastructure, particularly for mental and behavioral health, is a practical and powerful way to live out these values, creating a safer, healthier, and more compassionate community for everyone,” states Rev. Deacon Martha Seaman, President of Valley Interfaith Project.  

For these reasons, Valley Interfaith Project urges our fellow community members to vote "yes" on Proposition 409, to invest in the well-being of our neighbors and build a stronger, more resilient Maricopa County for future generations.