By Leslie Abasta
Since 1965, community health clinics have helped close healthcare gaps across the United States. In California, about 15% of residents receive care at these clinics, which are especially important in rural areas and places with severe shortages of medical professionals, like right here in our Central Valley. Providing services for all patients, regardless of insurance status, language spoken, or ability to pay, is at the core of our mission, which I’m proud to uphold every day.
This fall, Californians will vote on Proposition 44. This misleading initiative will harm clinic and patient services in addition to the dedicated providers and staff who make it all possible. The programs that our community members depend on, like telemedicine, transportation, nutrition assistance, patient navigation, and more, will shrink or even disappear if Proposition 44 passes.
I care deeply about my family, friends, and neighbors, which is why I chose a career in community health. I believe in compassionate, respectful care that is delivered to those who need it most. I have and will continue to fight every day for my patients and staff, against this proposition and anything else that threatens our community. I’ll be voting no on Proposition 44 and encourage you to do the same.
Leslie Abasta
CEO, Lumira Healthcare
Voter registration ends on October 19, 2026. Register to vote at registertovote.ca.gov.