DAP Health is sounding the alarm ahead of the November 2026 election, urging Californians to vote No on Proposition 44, a ballot measure the organization says could significantly weaken community health centers and restrict the services patients rely on beyond traditional medical care. According to health economists cited by the No on Proposition 44 campaign, the measure could remove $1.7 billion from community clinics in its first year alone, leaving 88% of centers statewide operating at a loss.
Proposition 44 would penalize clinics for investing in patient‑support programs and grant the California attorney general new authority over decisions about which services clinics may provide. DAP Health warns that these changes could force clinics to scale back or eliminate programs that help patients access care, manage chronic conditions, and stay healthy.
“Housing, nutrition, transportation, language access, and care navigation are not extras. They are vital parts of helping people live healthier lives. Proposition 44 puts all those services—and the patients who depend on them—at risk,” says Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Aquilina.
Community health centers already operate under strict federal and state oversight, undergo regular audits, and must demonstrate that their resources directly support patient care. As nonprofit organizations, they are governed by boards that include patients and require funds to be used for community benefit.
DAP Health argues that Prop 44 would add costly restrictions without improving care. If clinics are forced to reduce services or close locations, more patients could be pushed into already crowded emergency departments—raising wait times and overall health care costs.
Services at Risk Under Proposition 44
DAP Health notes that the following programs could be reduced or eliminated:
- Housing support: Affordable housing programs, emergency assistance, rental support, and navigation services.
- Food and nutrition: Grocery‑access programs, nutrition support, and food assistance.
- Patient support: Care coordinators, benefits enrollment, referrals, and navigation.
- Transportation: Bus passes, gas vouchers, and appointment‑access support.
- Language access: Translation, interpretation, and clear health‑literacy tools.
- Community outreach: Mobile health services, HIV and LGBTQ+ education, prevention programs, and community health workers.
- Technology: Telehealth, patient portals, and digital tools that connect patients with care teams.
Prop 44 could also limit DAP Health’s ability to invest in major access‑expansion projects, including its new women’s health clinic at DAP Health Sunrise, improvements to Vista Sunrise I, its 80‑unit affordable housing community for people living with HIV, and its Oceanside Sexual Wellness Clinic and Pharmacy in North San Diego County.
“Every day, DAP Health helps people obtain medical and behavioral health care along with other services that make healthier lives possible,” Aquilina adds. “We encourage every eligible registered voter to learn about Prop 44, make a plan to vote, and vote no to protect comprehensive, compassionate care.”
What Voters Can Do
- Visit noprop44.com to learn more before completing a ballot.
- Follow the No on Prop 44 campaign for updates.
- Confirm voter registration at registertovote.ca.gov.
- Vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and share reliable information with friends and family.
About DAP Health
Since 1984, DAP Health has worked to expand access to care across Southern California. Nearly 1,000 team members provide medical, dental, behavioral health, and social services to almost 80,000 people at 23 fixed locations and six mobile units from the Coachella Valley to the San Diego coast.
Voters should confirm all election‑related information with trusted, official sources.
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