Xavier Becerra wants to be California’s “health care governor.” He’s traveling across the state to connect with communities, focusing on mental health services for families, youth, and veterans.
Recently, he visited the Child Guidance Center in Santa Ana. There, he learned about how the center helps parents and children interact better. He also discussed equine therapy, a unique form of healing for veterans and their families. During his tour, he took a moment to ask CEO Lori Pack about how tougher immigration rules have affected mental health care access for families.
Becerra believes health centers like Child Guidance are crucial. They provide early preventive care, which is usually less costly than emergency treatments. He emphasized the need for these centers to thrive, especially after budget cuts from the previous administration.
As he campaigns for governor, Becerra finds himself among many Democratic candidates, without a clear frontrunner yet. Despite polling lower than some competitors, he remains optimistic. He thinks that as more candidates shine in April, voters will start paying attention, especially those still undecided.
His strategy? Travel extensively, engage with communities, and raise important issues. Becerra hopes upcoming debates will allow all candidates to participate fairly, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
To connect with voters, he plans to highlight his experience in handling health care during the COVID-19 pandemic and his time in Congress. “I have more policy chops than any of the candidates,” he claims, based on his personal and professional experiences.
Becerra believes that his background allows him to make informed decisions, especially in crises. His campaign also focuses on promoting home ownership for younger Californians while balancing a healthier diet on the trail—opting for salads over fast food—and supporting UCLA’s women’s basketball team in the NCAA Tournament.
Supporting mental health and community care is vital, not just in his campaign, but for improving the well-being of Californians as a whole. Becerra’s journey aims to ensure that everyone has access to the health care they need, a mission he holds close as he moves forward in the race. For more insights on mental health in California, you can explore data from the California Department of Health Care Services.
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