Look for the bond proposal at the bottom of the ballot titled: El Paso County Hospital District Special Election, Proposition A.
On the November 2024 ballot, residents will have the opportunity to vote on UMC’s bond proposal. The proposal will be listed as the “El Paso County Hospital District Special Election, Proposition A,” and it seeks to fund several critical healthcare initiatives at University Medical Center (UMC) of El Paso, the county’s community hospital. Here’s a summary of the projects the bond aims to bring to the community.
UMC Campus Improvements
One-third of bond funds will be used to enhance UMC’s ability to meet capacity needs and add new technology to imaging and operating room facilities.
Comprehensive Cancer Center
The first of its kind in the region, UMC will partner in building a comprehensive cancer center that will allow patients to seek treatment closer to home.
Burn Center Development
El Paso lacks a local burn care program, and patients are often transferred out of the city for specialized care. The bond proposes to increase care capability by adding additional operating rooms, critical care beds, and enhanced burn care units.
Expansion of Healthcare Access Points
To accommodate the growing population and increasing healthcare demands, the bond would expand access points across the region. This effort is aimed at making preventative and acute care more accessible for patients across the region.
Financial Overview
The bond proposal totals $396.6 million and is estimated to cost homeowners an average of $6 a month in additional property taxes. Importantly, these funds would only be used to build and equip the proposed facilities; none of the proceeds would be allocated for salaries or operations.
Why Are These Projects Being Requested?
UMC’s bed capacity is frequently at its limit, with projections indicating that by 2027, the hospital will need to support 367 patients daily. The lack of a burn care program and a comprehensive cancer center in El Paso also highlights gaps in the region’s healthcare services. These projects aim to address both current and future healthcare needs in the community.
Important Dates
● Election Day: November 5 Stay updated with the latest UMC news! Download our new UMC Cares app, available for both Android and Apple devices.
● Early Voting: October 21 – November 1
Stay updated with the latest UMC news! Download our new UMC Cares app, available for both Android and Apple devices.
