UPDATE: A critical health care forum featuring California gubernatorial candidates is scheduled for November 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the Inland Empire, addressing urgent issues like health care affordability and mental health access. This event comes just a year before Californians head to the polls to elect their next governor, making it a pivotal moment for candidates to engage with constituents on these pressing matters.
The Health Matters forum will spotlight the dire circumstances facing over 1.5 million people in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who depend on Medi-Cal. As federal decisions loom regarding potential cuts to health care funding, the stakes are higher than ever for communities in this region.
Medical professionals, including Dr. Bonnie Chi-Lum, chief medical officer at Sac Health in San Bernardino, have witnessed firsthand the struggles people face without adequate health coverage. “When you are healthy, you take health for granted. It’s when you are sick, you go, ‘Where can I go?’” she noted, underscoring the critical need for accessible health services.
According to recent reports, many residents have had to delay or skip necessary medical care due to costs. Factors such as language barriers and transportation issues further complicate access to health services, affecting vulnerable populations in the area.
The forum is expected to host around 300 organizations that will present their health concerns directly to the candidates. Confirmed participants include prominent figures like former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. As the race heats up, candidates will propose their solutions to these critical health issues, making this forum a must-watch event.
With at least 10 candidates now in the race following former Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to step aside for the 2026 contest, the pressure is mounting for candidates to connect with voters on health care and other pressing issues.
What’s Next: As the forum approaches, community members and health advocates are urged to participate, ensuring their voices are heard in the upcoming discussions. Keep an eye on this event, as it will shape the health care dialogue leading into the gubernatorial election.
This forum is not just a political gathering; it’s a vital opportunity for candidates to learn and respond to the urgent health care needs of the Inland Empire. Stay tuned for more updates as the event date approaches, and don’t miss your chance to engage in this critical conversation about health care in California.
