West Valley families call access to care for the disabled inadequate | News

In the rapidly expanding West Valley, inadequate health care systems struggle to meet the needs of individuals with severe physical disabilities.   

Limited access to health care in the West Valley poses significant challenges due to a growing population, economic constraints, and inadequate infrastructure. However, many organizations have come together to combat these challenges.   

The families affected   

“Once midnight struck and she turned 18, everything shattered,” said Kris Holguin, the grieving mother of a young woman with Rett syndrome.   

During her daughter’s adulthood, Holguin encountered difficulties accessing health care for her. Due to her daughter’s severe medical condition, it was essential for her to see several specialty doctors. Unfortunately, none of her doctors were located near her home. 

“They weren’t even in the West Valley,” said Holguin of Verrado.  

In emergencies, Holguin stated that emergency rooms lack qualified staff and necessary medical equipment to provide proper treatment for those with disabilities. 

“It didn’t even exist,” Holguin said. 

For many families with disabled loved ones, this story resonates deeply. Families nationwide manage numerous doctor appointments to ensure their loved ones receive the necessary care. Unfortunately, the lack of specialized doctors makes finding, scheduling, and commuting to these appointments much more challenging for West Valley residents. 

Population growth 

Over the last two decades, the West Valley’s population has more than doubled, increasing demand for local medical care. Some cities have experienced even greater growth than others.   

For instance, Goodyear’s population skyrocketed by about 464% from 2020 to 2023. The city is experiencing a growth rate of approximately 21% per year, indicating that its population will likely double within the next few years.   

Goodyear is not the only city experiencing rapid growth; Buckeye has also seen a growth rate of about 54% over the past five years.    

Approximately 71,000 people have moved to these two cities during this time frame, putting pressure on Arizona’s medical sector to meet the needs of the expanding population.  

Medical centers recognize the urgent need for more health care services in the West Valley. In response to the growing population, Phoenix Children’s Hospital built a freestanding emergency room in Avondale. They expect to handle 71,000 visits annually at this location and have invested 40 million dollars in the project.   

“The growth across the West Valley has created a need for these services,” according to Synapse Hospital and Healthcare Partnership, a coalition of health care researchers. “Therefore, Phoenix Children’s invested in this community to ensure families can access high-quality care for children in their neighborhood.”   

Phoenix Children’s has gained recognition for providing health care to individuals with severe disabilities and bringing good news to families with children. However, the struggle remains constant for those with loved ones over the age of 18. 

The West Valley struggles to establish specialized care facilities due to inadequate infrastructure. Many hospitals in the area do not provide specialized or rehabilitative care, leaving residents without access to essential services. Consequently, residents must commute long distances to obtain necessary care.  

This is a significant problem. Maricopa County’s Community Needs Assessment lists the lack of public transportation in the West Valley as a problem. About 10% of those who took the assessment identified public transportation as a critical community service need.  

The lack of a comprehensive bus and light rail system in the West Valley creates challenges for those unable to drive. Individuals with specific disabilities often rely on public transportation to reach their appointments.   

Commuting to appointments can be exhausting and costly for car owners. Some people drive over 30 miles to the doctor’s office. 

Programs such as Northwest Valley Connect (NVC) have stepped in to help with the transportation crisis. Northwest Valley Connect provides free or low-cost transportation to seniors and disabled individuals on the northwest side of the valley. 

“These services are crucial for residents needing to attend medical appointments, socialize, shop for groceries, or access other essential services,” the Foundation for Senior Living (FSL) said. The FSL is the current organization in charge of the NVC. 

This program does not extend to Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, and Tolleson. Public transportation for disabled individuals still needs to be improved.  

The workforce barrier 

A significant portion of the problem is due to a workforce shortage. According to the Arizona Help Workforce Organization, Arizona ranks ninth in the nation regarding the number of health professional shortage areas.  

Arizona is projected to have a shortage of approximately 4,100 physicians by 2032, with the most significant deficits occurring in the West Valley. 

These shortages continue to impact specialists across the nation. Individuals with disabilities struggle to secure appointments, even in urgent situations. 

“Before (my daughter’s) back surgery, she needed to go to a gastroenterologist,” Holguin said. 

“She had surgery scheduled in January. They can’t get her into the gastroenterologist until March.” 

This is also common in therapeutic practices. There is already a vast shortage of therapists statewide with very open schedules.  

“This is particularly true for individuals with high support needs,” said Caroline Musselwhite, an Augmentative and Alternative Communication expert. “There are fewer people anywhere who are qualified to work with them. And less in the West Valley.” 

This applies to specialized care as well. Many emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and primary care facilities are not equipped with the proper equipment and training to help people with certain conditions.  

“Adults with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) have the right to access competent, accessible care in their own communities,” the Sonoran UCEDD (The University of Arizona’s Center for Excellence in Disabilities) stated.  

Fortunately, many organizations have come together to provide solutions. Musselwhite organized Out and About, an annual community outing that teaches alternative communication to those unable to speak.  

“While this is not direct therapy, individuals can get lots of tips on modeling on communication devices,” Musselwhite said.