Why is Prop 409 necessary?
Over the last ten years, mental health cases processed through the courts have increased by 169%. Valleywise is the only hospital that performs court-ordered evaluations in the county.
With rapid population growth and increasing demand for care, Valleywise Health must expand and modernize its facilities.
Prop 409 will fund additional inpatient and observation beds, replace outdated clinics, and rebuild key facilities like the Comprehensive Health Center – Phoenix and the Behavioral Health Annex. These upgrades will address aging infrastructure, ease space constraints, improve care delivery, and enhance teaching environments—ensuring high-quality care for generations to come.
The Need
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Inpatient demand is years ahead of schedule. Valleywise is already operating at its projected 2028 inpatient volumes, requiring the use of overflow units and causing delays in patient admissions from the Emergency Department and recovery rooms. Over the last ten years, mental health cases processed through the courts have increased by 169%. Valleywise is the only hospital that performs court-ordered evaluations in the county.
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Emergency Department strain is growing. More patients are seeking emergency care, with many needing extended treatment that doesn’t meet full admission criteria. Adding observation beds will relieve pressure and ensure patients receive appropriate care and follow-up.
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Labor & Delivery volumes are surging. With a capacity for ~2,400 deliveries annually, we are now on track to exceed 3,000 births this year. Remodeling the 5th and 6th floors will help meet this increased demand in L&D and Postpartum care.
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Capacity to grow with the community. The 10th floor was designed for future expansion—and the future is here. Building out this space now is essential to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s continued growth.