SAN DIEGO, CA (July 31, 2026) – Representatives from community clinics, health advocacy groups, provider organizations and community leaders gathered at Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) last week for a press conference urging voters to reject Proposition 44. Speakers warned that the measure could reduce access to care for millions of Californians who rely on community health centers and clinics for essential health services.
Family Health Centers of San Diego was proud to host the event ahead of National Health Center Week, an annual observance led by the National Association of Community Health Centers that highlights the essential role health centers play in improving access to care and advancing community health.
As one of the nation’s largest community health providers, FHCSD is committed to ensuring every patient has access to the care and resources they need to thrive. The event brought together leaders from health care and community organizations who raised concerns about the impact of Proposition 44 on California’s health care safety net.
“Proposition 44 will be devastating for patients here in San Diego and across California,” said Dr. Maria Carriedo-Ceniceros, president of the San Diego County Medical Society. “The measure includes arbitrary requirements that will take important resources away from patient care, which will result in patients having to depend on emergency rooms rather than the preventive services that keep communities healthy.”
An independent study by Berkeley Research Group found that Proposition 44 would reduce funding for community health centers and clinics by $1.7 billion in its first year, leaving many clinics operating at negative margins and potentially forcing reductions in services or clinic closures.
“This reckless measure was crafted in a way that will exclude funding for critical patient care and staff services, including medical technology, mammography and X-ray equipment, health care enrollment navigators and more,” said Pauline Lucatero, RN, vice president of community affairs at Family Health Centers of San Diego. “Community clinics provide whole-person, whole-community care that extends well beyond the exam room. Our patients count on us for services like translation and transportation, all of which would be at risk under Proposition 44.”
Speakers also emphasized that community health centers already operate under extensive federal and state oversight, including rigorous reporting requirements and audits. The event underscored the widespread opposition to Proposition 44 by organizations that serve low-income communities throughout California.
“Millions of children across California count on community clinics and their services to stay healthy and in school,” said Dr. Marsha Spitzer, board member of the American Academy of Pediatrics California. “That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics California, the California School Nurses Organization, the California School-Based Health Alliance and the California Teachers Association have all voted to oppose Proposition 44.”
“Community clinics are trusted access points for families facing barriers to health care and food assistance. Clinic caseworkers and administrative staff don’t just help patients enroll in Medi-Cal; they are a vital lifeline for enrolling eligible families in CalFresh. With recent federal cuts already causing tens of thousands of San Diego families to lose their food assistance, we cannot afford to weaken the community clinic networks that help families meet their most basic needs,” said Alondra Alvarado, CEO of the San Diego Hunger Coalition. “Proposition 44 jeopardizes these critical enrollment pathways, and we urge San Diegans to vote no on this dangerous measure.”
“California’s health care system is already under severe strain because of budget cuts and direct attacks on the patients and communities we serve,” said Neal Ortiguerra, senior director of public affairs for Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest. “Proposition 44 will make those challenges even worse, increasing costs and wait times for patients already struggling to obtain birth control, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings and other essential care they need and deserve.”
For more information about Proposition 44 and to join the coalition, visit www.noprop44.com.
