Year of Medicaid ‘unwinding’ cuts 600,000, but renews nearly 2 million on state’s rolls

PHOENIX - One year after starting Medicaid unwinding, AHCCCS renewed Medicaid coverage for more than 2 million and disenrolled over 600,000 Arizona recipients.


The rise of Valley fever

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, Calif. – Valley fever has been infecting people in the Southwest U.S., Central America and South America for decades. Its name comes from early cases detected in the San Joaquin Valley, California.

Heavy black clouds of dust rising over the Texas Panhandle, Texas in 1936. (Photo courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

Valley fever, a fungal disease endemic to the Southwest, disproportionately affects minority populations

TUCSON – Valley Fever, a disease caused by Coccidioides spores, can cause life-threatening illnesses, particularly in Black, Hispanic and Native American communities. There is still a lack of awareness as to how serious this disease can get, and the scope of it, even in the medical community.

Patches of dirt in both city and rural settings can contain the spores of the fungus that causes Valley fever and are released whenever the ground is disturbed. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

Abortion law status remains unclear, even as lawmakers near repeal of ban

PHOENIX - As state lawmakers push to repeal a near-total ban on abortion, Planned Parenthood of Arizona said it will continue to provide abortions up to 15 weeks of pregnancy "until the last legal moment." But when that last legal moment is depends on who's talking.


Annual symposium for Arizona military members and families highlights veteran suicide prevention

PHOENIX – The Arizona Coalition for Military Families Annual Statewide Symposium, on April 17 and 18, spoke to Arizona veterans about resources available for suicide prevention and mental health care.

Nicola Winkel, project director at Arizona Coalition for Military Families, speaks during the general session of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families' 14th Annual Statewide Symposium in Phoenix on April 17. (Photo by Ashley Schulte/Arizona Coalition for Military Families)

Navajo psychiatrist bridges gaps between Native American culture and behavioral health care

GANADO – Dr. Richard Laughter, a Navajo psychiatrist practicing in the heart of the Navajo Nation, incorporates Native American cultural practices into the behavioral health program at Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado.

Dr. Richard Laughter incorporates traditional Native methods into his psychiatric practice. “You can only do so much for their mental health if you’re just using meds and short therapy sessions,” he said. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Pandemic relief funds for early childhood care set to expire June 30

PHOENIX – Quality First’s federal pandemic relief funding for early childhood care is set to expire on June 30, ending some provider services and scholarships for families. Many, including Gov. Hobbs, are requesting an increase in state funds to mitigate the impact of this expiration.

A classroom sits empty in Imagination Childcare and Preschool in Litchfield Park as children play outside on April 2. Families at this preschool have received funding from Quality First, a quality rating and improvement program. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Valleywise Health opens a new medical center in Phoenix to “serve the underserved”

PHOENIX – Valleywise opens a new medical center in Phoenix to provide updated health services to Valley residents.

The Valleywise Health logo in the main lobby of the new medical center on April 3. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

‘We’re not in this alone’: How an Arizona program gives support, mentorship to dads

PHOENIX – Dad Together is a program where dads of all backgrounds and stages meet up, share their experiences and support each other through their parenting journeys.

Edward Casillas, program and services development manager at the Family Involvement Center, speaks about his experience as a dad at the Phoenix Families First Resource Center in the Burton Barr Central Library. Photo taken in Phoenix on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

Sensory Friendly Job Fair paves the way for adults with autism to meet potential employers

TEMPE – The Arizona Department of Economic Security, Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and Rio Salado College put on a Sensory Friendly Job Fair on April 9 in Tempe, featuring adjusted lighting, staggered arrival times and reduced noise levels to create a calm atmosphere for job seekers with autism disabilities.

Job seekers walk into Rio Salado College Southern in Tempe on April 9 to attend the Sensory Friendly Job Fair put on by the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, the Arizona Department of Economic Security and the college. (Photo by Annika Tourlas/Cronkite News)

The Singletons provides financial, compassionate support to single-parent families battling cancer

PHOENIX – The Singletons, a Phoenix-based nonprofit, helps single-parent families battling cancer get the resources and assistance they need.

The Singletons building is where the nonprofit holds events monthly for cancer warriors and survivors. Photo taken on Feb. 17, 2024, in Phoenix. (Photo by Mariah Temprendola/Cronkite News)

‘Combating this epidemic’: Native Americans gather to address suicide prevention

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Indian Center recently held its 2024 Annual Suicide Prevention Convening to address the staggering losses due to mental health in Native American communities.

A series of turquoise signs along southbound U.S. 89 near Tuba City proclaims the Navajo Nation's resiliency amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (File photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)