Bishop John Dolan of Phoenix has faced criticism after publicly endorsing Proposition 409, a $900 million ballot measure that would finance a major expansion of mental health facilities for Valleywise Health, a healthcare system known to support gender transition.
In a letter of support, the bishop wrote that “access to mental health treatment is an essential part of human dignity and community well-being,” according to The Catholic Sun, the diocese’s official newspaper. He added that Valleywise “has for decades served as a true steward of care, especially for those in crisis and nowhere else to turn.” His comments followed a visit to Valleywise’s 192-bed behavioural health hospital in Maryvale, one of three facilities that together treat hundreds of patients with serious mental illness. Proposition 409, on the state ballot this November, would allow Valleywise to build a new hospital and add 200 modern behavioural health beds.
