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Opinion Editorial:
Eastside Democrats Support the UMC 2024 Bond Initiative for a Healthier El Paso
As the Chair of the Eastside Democrats, I am proud to announce that our membership has overwhelmingly endorsed the University Medical Center (UMC) 2024 Bond Initiative. With over 220 members, the Eastside Democrats are the largest Democratic organization in El Paso, and we firmly believe that this bond is not just an investment in our healthcare system but a commitment to the well-being of every resident in our growing community.
The $396.6 million bond initiative, approved by the El Paso County Commissioners, will appear on the November 2024 ballot. It is crucial that voters understand the profound impact this bond will have on our city's healthcare infrastructure. El Paso is expanding, and so are its healthcare needs. UMC is currently facing critical capacity challenges, which are only expected to grow as our population ages. If approved, the bond will address these issues by funding a new burn center, additional critical care beds, operating rooms, cardiac catheterization facilities, and advanced imaging and laboratory services.
The most notable addition is the proposed burn center, which is long overdue. With the nearest burn care facility over 300 miles away in Lubbock, El Pasoans facing burn trauma have had limited options. UMC has had to turn away patients or keep them under less than ideal conditions due to capacity constraints. The bond allocates $24.4 million to establish a state-of-the-art burn center, providing specialized rooms for burn victims right here in El Paso. This will save lives, reduce suffering, and prevent our community members from having to travel long distances for care.
Additionally, the bond includes the construction of a comprehensive cancer care facility in partnership with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. This facility will allow cancer patients to receive all necessary treatments under one roof, eliminating the need for them to travel out of town or juggle appointments across different locations. This expansion will greatly benefit our elderly population, who often face unique challenges when seeking consistent and comprehensive care.
The Eastside Democrats recognize that healthcare is a fundamental right, and this bond is a step toward ensuring that all El Pasoans—regardless of income, age, or health status—have access to the quality care they deserve. This initiative is an opportunity to create a healthcare system that is prepared for our future, a system that is robust, inclusive, and able to serve the needs of our most vulnerable populations.
On behalf of the Eastside Democrats, I urge our fellow El Pasoans to vote in favor of the UMC 2024 Bond Initiative. Together, we can create a healthier, more resilient community. Let’s build a future where no one has to leave El Paso for the care they need. Let’s ensure that University Medical Center can continue to serve as the cornerstone of our region’s healthcare system.
Emma Acosta
Chair, Eastside Democrats of El Paso
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