Dear Friends and Community Partners,
I am writing to share an important and difficult decision our organization has made; we have filed a lawsuit against the City of Phoenix in response to a recently enacted ordinance that restricts the provision of medical care in public parks to only two days per month (if the permit is granted).
This decision was not made lightly. For many of the individuals we serve, parks are not recreational spaces, they are places of refuge and, often, the only place where they can access shade and a space free of the heat generated by the cement of the city. Limiting medical outreach in these spaces effectively limits access to essential, life-saving care for people who already face significant barriers to the healthcare system. Circle the City has always abided by the city park rules and the medical standards of care.
Our mission has always been to meet people where they are, both literally and figuratively. The ordinance directly undermines that mission. Restricting care to two days each month is not a workable compromise because it creates gaps in treatment, interrupts continuity of care, and places vulnerable individuals at greater risk of worsening health conditions, preventable hospitalizations, and even death. We cannot predict in advance what day a person in each park will be acutely ill.
For clarity, our organization provides a wide range of medical and supportive services, including:
- Primary and preventive medical care
- Chronic disease management
- Wound care and infection treatment
- Behavioral health services
- Care coordination and referrals
- Health education and outreach
While we do not provide needle exchange services, we support the State of Arizona’s legalization of these services on the grounds of their medical effectiveness in substance use treatment.
Our work is grounded in dignity, respect, and evidence-based care. We are committed to improving health outcomes and reducing strain on emergency systems by providing timely, appropriate care in community settings.
We understand that legal action may raise questions or concerns. Our goal in taking this action is to encourage the city to pause and work collaboratively with us to develop a program to meet our common goal of decreasing homelessness and ensuring the needs of all our citizens are met. Please know that this step reflects our deep commitment to our patients and our responsibility to advocate for policies that support and not hinder access to care. We will continue to engage in dialogue with community leaders and stakeholders while pursuing a resolution that protects the health and well-being of those we serve.
Thank you for your continued support, dedication, and belief in our mission. None of Circle the City’s funds will be used for the lawsuit as the legal services are being provided pro bono. If you have questions or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact me:
kdespres@circlethecity.org
Please know that we filed this lawsuit in fidelity to the mission for which we were founded and out of dedication to the dear neighbor we serve.
Sincerely,
Kim Despres, DHA, RN
Chief Executive Officer
Circle the City
