Joint statement by Sheriff Jerry Sheridan and County Attorney Rachel Mitchell
Ensuring public safety takes more than courtrooms and patrol cars — it requires strong partnerships and systems that work together to prevent harm, respond to crisis and support accountability.
Valleywise Health is a vital part of that system. Whether treating victims of violence, conducting court-ordered mental health evaluations or caring for officers injured in the line of duty, Valleywise strengthens our collective ability to serve justice and protect the public.
Proposition 409 will modernize Valleywise’s aging infrastructure, expand trauma and emergency care, and rebuild the behavioral health hospital our county depends on.
These investments will help reduce repeat crises, ease pressure on jails and emergency rooms, and ensure the legal system has the tools it needs-especially when mental illness and public safety intersect.
We see every day how timely, appropriate care can change the course of someone's life-and even prevent tragedy. Prop 409 gives us the tools we need: more capacity, more options, and more opportunities to step in before a crisis unfolds.
This isn’t about choosing between accountability and care. It’s about having the right resources to do both-protect the public and help those in crisis.
We urge you to vote yes on Prop 409 — an investment in safer communities, stronger systems and the health and safety of those who serve.
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