This November, California voters will decide the fate of Proposition 44, the dangerous ballot measure that will harm millions of patients by shutting down hundreds of community health centers and forcing clinics to cut back on vital patient services.
If Prop 44 passes, it could make it harder for community health centers like DAP Health to provide many of the services our patients count on every day. DAP Health is encouraging everyone who votes to Vote No on Proposition 44.
What is Proposition 44?
- Prop 44 is a dangerous attack on patients that will penalize clinics for investing in key patient services.
- The initiative also puts politicians between patients and their doctors by putting the State Attorney General — an elected politician with no health care experience — in charge of decisions about the services health clinics can provide.
Why is DAP Health concerned?
At DAP Health, we know that health care is about much more than seeing a doctor. Good health also depends on having:
- A safe place to live
- Healthy food
- A way to get to appointments
- Help understanding medical information
- Support finding other services
- Easy ways to connect with care teams
These services help people stay healthy. But Proposition 44’s major legal flaws would financially penalize clinics if they spend resources on important staff and patient services. Health economists warn that Prop 44 will cut $1.7 billion from community health clinics in the first year and billions thereafter. As a result, 88% of clinics across the state would operate at a loss.
What services could be affected?
If Proposition 44 passes, DAP Health could have fewer resources for programs such as:
Housing support
- Affordable housing programs
- Emergency housing help
- Rental assistance
- Housing navigation
These services help people stay healthy by helping them stay safely housed.
Food and nutrition
- Food assistance
- Nutrition support
- Grocery access programs
Healthy food is an important part of good health.
Patient support
- Patient navigators
- Care coordinators
- Benefits enrollment help
- Referrals to specialists and community services
These team members help patients get the care they need.
Transportation
- Bus passes
- Gas vouchers
- Help getting to appointments
Without transportation, many patients cannot receive medical care.
Language services
- Translation
- Interpretation
- Easy-to-understand health information
- Appointment reminders
These services help patients understand their care and communicate with their providers.
Community outreach
- Mobile health services
- HIV education
- LGBTQ+ health education
- Prevention programs
- Community health workers
DAP Health brings care into neighborhoods, whether remote or not, so more people can get the services they need.
Technology
- Telehealth visits
- Patient portals
- Other digital tools
Technology makes it easier for patients to stay connected to their health care team.
Could future projects be affected?
Absolutely. Proposition 44 could penalize DAP Health for investing in important projects that benefit patients, including:
- Our new OB-GYN clinic at DAP Health Sunrise, currently building built
- Much-needed improvements to Vista Sunrise I, our 80-unit affordable housing complex for people living with HIV built almost two decades ago on our Sunrise campus
- Our new Oceanside Sexual Wellness Clinic and Pharmacy in San Diego’s North County
These projects help expand access to care for the diverse communities we serve.
Why does this matter?
Community health centers already follow strict federal and state rules. They are regularly audited and must show that they use their resources to support patient care. AND, community clinics are all not-for-profit organizations led by a board that includes patients, requiring funds to be spent on patient care and community benefits.
Proposition 44 would add another layer of rules without improving care. Instead, it could force clinics to spend less on services that help patients outside the exam room.
If community clinics must reduce services or close programs, more people may end up seeking care in crowded hospital emergency departments, which will result in longer wait times and billions of dollars in higher costs for us all.
Our message to patients
DAP Health is proud to care for the whole person — not just the illness.
Every day, we help people with medical care, behavioral health, housing, food, transportation, education, and many other services that make healthier lives possible.
We believe these services matter because they help patients get the care they need and stay healthy.
That’s why DAP Health is encouraging everyone to Vote No on Proposition 44.
Together, we can help protect the comprehensive, compassionate care members of the diverse communities we serve deserve and depend on.
What You Can Do
Your vote matters. Here are a few simple ways you can help:
- Learn more. Read about Proposition 44 before you fill out your ballot.
- Follow the No on Prop 44 social media channels to get updated information.
- If you’re not registered to vote, consider registering before the deadline this fall here.
- Vote. DAP Health encourages all voters to Vote No on Proposition 44 to help protect the services our patients depend on.
- Tell your family and friends. Share what you have learned with others so they can make an informed decision before Election Day.
Thank you for helping to protect access to high-quality, compassionate health care for the people who need it most.
