Over the past several weeks, I have been communicating widely about the challenges the Inland Empire faces in healthcare. These challenges are not new, but they are becoming increasingly urgent and acute. Physician shortages across primary and specialty care continue to strain our system, and the lack of facility capital reinvestment—because of the magnitude of the cost—results in longer hospital wait times and delays in access to critical services. At the same time, the anticipated reduction in insurance coverage, driven by recent policy changes, poses a significant risk for our residents, many of whom already struggle to obtain the care they need. The convergence of these issues threatens not only the health of our communities but also the economic vitality of our region.
In recent weeks, I had the opportunity to attend an important session chaired by Assemblywoman Norma Torres and hosted by IEHP. The session brought together healthcare organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the broader impacts of healthcare on the Inland Empire economy. A key theme was the essential role that access to healthcare plays in attracting and retaining employees and in supporting organizations that are expanding or relocating to our region. The discussion also highlighted the persistent imbalance between medical workforce supply and demand, and the potential consequences following recent federal legislation.
I presented the clear challenges we face, along with some of the opportunities for addressing them. However, I emphasized that these issues cannot be solved in one year or by one organization alone. What is needed is a comprehensive, collaborative plan that incorporates many voices and coordinated actions, working together over time to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of the Inland Empire. UCR, the School of Medicine, and UCR Health are committed to being part of the solution and have already taken steps toward improvement. Still, to truly address the challenges of healthcare access, physician availability, and overall community health, there must be an organized collaborative approach that is funded, monitored, and accountable for results.
I want to recognize Assemblywoman Norma Torres for her leadership in convening this important session. By bringing together the community to hear directly from those on the front lines, she ensures that the realities and impacts of these challenges are understood and addressed in meaningful ways. Her commitment to elevating these discussions provides a strong foundation to build a more resilient healthcare system for the future of the Inland Empire.
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