Just two miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, Holy Cross Hospital in Nogales, Arizona, plays a vital role for residents in Santa Cruz County. This small hospital, with 25 beds, primarily serves a community where over 80% identify as Hispanic. Many families here struggle, with a median income around $43,000 and a poverty rate of 20%.
Holy Cross is part of the Carondelet Health Network and provides essential care, especially for those without insurance. Each year, it delivers millions in uncompensated care, a lifeline for many families who can’t afford medical expenses. For many in this region, Holy Cross is the only option, making it a Critical Access Hospital. The next closest facility is a staggering 70 miles away in Tucson.
The precarious situation for rural hospitals like Holy Cross has worsened. A recent bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, threatens to close around 380 independent hospitals across the country by 2026. This legislation could cut funding drastically, with an estimated 56% loss in resources. It shifts Medicaid eligibility requirements, making it harder for many to qualify. As a result, millions might lose their insurance—up to 10.5 million, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
This shifts focus from healthcare as a right to an individualistic approach. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has emphasized personal responsibility in health, encouraging nutrition and fitness. While these values are important, they risk overlooking the real struggles of people in poverty—often living in food deserts with little access to healthy food and safe spaces for exercise.
Moreover, Kennedy’s skepticism towards vaccines raises concerns about public health. Vaccines have historically protected communities, and recent outbreaks, like measles in South Carolina, remind us of the dangers of neglecting herd immunity. Vaccination isn’t just a personal choice; it impacts everyone, especially vulnerable populations.
The importance of equitable healthcare is echoed in Catholic social teachings, which advocate for the dignity of every person and recognize healthcare as a human right. Pope Leo XIV once stated that “health cannot be a luxury for the few,” reinforcing the need for universal healthcare.
Historically, America has prioritized caring for the vulnerable. Early systems, like almshouses, provided support for those unable to care for themselves. Laws like the Act for Relief of Sick and Disabled Seamen, enacted by John Adams in 1798, aimed to protect those who served society. This legacy reminds us that a nation’s strength lies in its ability to care for its most vulnerable members.
In 2026, as we remember the past, it’s vital to understand that the sick, elderly, and essential workers—like farm laborers who sustain our nation—need support. The spirit of America calls us to care for one another, recognizing that true strength lies in community.
Ultimately, prioritizing healthcare for all isn’t just a moral obligation; it echoes the core values of kindness, equality, and responsibility that define us. We must care for each other, ensuring health isn’t a privilege of the few but a right for all.
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Catholic Social Teaching,Health Care
