As California approaches another pivotal gubernatorial election, the upcoming "Health Matters" forum, hosted by NBC Los Angeles (NBCLA), will serve as a crucial opportunity for candidates to engage with pressing health care issues affecting the Inland Empire. Scheduled for November 7, 2025, this nonpartisan event is expected to be a significant platform for discussing the myriad challenges that Californians face in accessing affordable health care, especially within Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The Context: Health Care in the Inland Empire
With a population of approximately 1.5 million people relying on Medi-Cal—California’s Medicaid program—over 40% of the Inland Empire’s residents depend on government-funded health care services. In light of recent federal budgetary constraints that threaten funding for health care programs, the stakes have never been higher. Local medical professionals, such as Dr. Bonnie Chi-Lum, chief medical officer at Sac Health, are on the front lines witnessing the implications of these cuts.
Dr. Chi-Lum emphasizes that when individuals are in good health, they often overlook the value of accessible health care. However, the situation becomes dire when illness strikes, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive health care planning. This societal dynamic raises critical questions that candidates must address: How will they ensure that health care remains affordable and accessible for all Californians, particularly the vulnerable populations in the Inland Empire?
Key Topics for Discussion
The "Health Matters" forum will focus on several pressing topics:
1. Health Care Affordability
The cost of health care remains a paramount concern for Californians. Recent surveys indicate that over half of the state’s residents have postponed or refrained from seeking medical treatment due to financial barriers. The forum provides an essential opportunity for candidates to articulate their strategies for reducing costs and enhancing affordability in health care.
2. Access to Mental Health Services
Mental health care continues to be a neglected area within the broader health care conversation. Candidates will need to discuss concrete proposals to improve access to mental health resources, especially as the pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among diverse populations.
3. Housing Costs and its Impact on Health
There is a well-documented correlation between housing stability and health outcomes. Rising housing costs significantly hinder families’ abilities to prioritize health care. Candidates at the forum will need to reckon with housing solutions that not only reduce costs but also promote better health outcomes in the community.
4. Environmental Health
In a region plagued by pollution and environmental challenges, health is inexorably linked to environmental factors. Discussions will be pivotal in addressing how candidates plan to tackle environmental issues that disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized communities.
The Role of Community Stakeholders
At the forum, approximately 300 community groups, including those like Sac Health, will have the platform to voice their health-related concerns to the candidates. This interactive segment is essential, as it allows local populations to present their needs and advocate for the necessary changes that could improve their access to care.
The voices from community clinics will add depth to the candidates’ proposed strategies, allowing voters to gauge how candidates intend to translate their policies into real-life provisions. By engaging with community leaders and health care professionals, candidates can illustrate their commitment to understanding the complex dynamics affecting health care in the region.
Participation and Inclusivity
The confirmed participation of notable gubernatorial candidates, such as former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, indicates the forum’s significance on a broader stage. The event’s nonpartisan nature encourages a diverse array of candidates to present their views and solutions while fostering an inclusive environment for dialogue.
The forum will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, including NBC4 and Telemundo 52, making it accessible to a broad audience. This digital reach ensures that even those who cannot attend in person will remain informed and engaged in the conversation surrounding the state’s health care system.
Looking Ahead: The Gubernatorial Race
With the primary election set for June 2, 2026, and the general election on November 3, 2026, candidates have numerous opportunities to elaborate on their health care platforms. The upcoming months will be pivotal in shaping not only the gubernatorial race but also the future of health care in California.
As issues around health care affordability, mental health, housing, and environmental health take center stage, candidates must articulate a vision that resonates with the everyday experiences of Californians. By addressing these concerns head on, they can build a campaign that is both responsive and responsible, addressing the needs of the constituents they seek to serve.
Conclusion
As Californians prepare for the inauguration of a new governor, the "Health Matters" forum represents a crucial intersection between politics and health care advocacy. The forum serves as a reminder that health is not a luxury but a fundamental right, an essential component of our society.
With health care affecting so many lives in the Inland Empire, the results of this forum may significantly influence how candidates prioritize health issues in their campaigns. This engagement will ultimately shape the future of health care in California, determining whom voters can trust to safeguard their health and well-being in the years ahead.
