Contact: Molly Weedn | molly@weednpa.com
The attack on community clinics is opposed by Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, the California Teachers Association, CA Medical Association, doctors, nurses and social justice organizations
Sacramento, CA – Despite discussions that could have avoided an irresponsible ballot measure from moving forward, SEIU-UHW will forge ahead with its dangerous initiative that would jeopardize care for more than 6 million patients who rely on community health centers and clinics for their healthcare. This measure has already drawn widespread and powerful opposition from the California Teachers Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, the California Medical Association, the California Academy of Family Physicians and more than 1,000 community clinics and organizations.
“We will not allow California’s most vulnerable patients to be used as political pawns. Our broad coalition will mount an aggressive campaign to educate voters, defeat this reckless initiative, and protect care for millions of patients,” said Francsico Silva, President & CEO of the California Primary Care Association. This measure will result in billions being cut from community health centers, forcing many to reduce services and close their doors. It is reprehensible that special interests are pushing this measure at a time when clinics and our patients are facing unprecedented challenges.
“We will not stand idly by while political bullies use the most vulnerable Californians as leverage,” said Jodi Hicks, CEO, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. “Make no mistake – this measure would have dire consequences – forcing clinics to close at a time when patients are already struggling for access to care as federal cuts wreak havoc on our state’s safety net. We remain opposed to this dangerous measure and stand with our health care partners in urging voters to say NO this November.”
“As a pediatrician, I know how important it is for kids to have access to care to keep them healthy and thriving,” said René Bravo, M.D., President, California Medical Association. “This ballot measure will threaten that access for millions of children who rely on community clinics for their routine, preventative and emergency health care. We cannot afford to create more barriers to care for the most vulnerable among us – especially not children. The California Medical Association stands with our clinic partners in protecting patients and is committed to defeating this reckless initiative.”
“After thorough review and democratic debate CTA’s State Council of Delegates – 800 elected educator representatives from throughout the state – opposed this measure because it undermines the stability of school-based health centers,” said David Goldberg, President, California Teachers Association. “We look forward to standing with the broad and growing coalition including community clinics and Planned Parenthood to defeat this initiative.”
“While we had hoped to find common ground and avoid a costly measure, we are steadfast in our commitment to our patients and remain laser focused on defeating it in November,” added Silva.