LGBTQ+ youth face increased risk for suicide and barriers to accessing mental health care
TUCSON – LGBTQ+ youth are facing a persistent mental health crisis and seek gender-affirming resources for support. Societal attitudes and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation create barriers to mental health care for the community.
Former drug user tells story at Maricopa County’s first Spanish-only forum on fentanyl addiction
PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Attorney's Office hosted its first Spanish-only forum on the dangers of fentanyl. The program featured Ronny Morales who told his personal story of using the drug and getting sober.
Arizona is in critical need of blood donations for sickle cell disease patients
PHOENIX — A lapse in blood donations has caused a critical blood shortage in Arizona and is affecting sickle cell disease patients. Maintaining a diverse blood supply is especially important for African Americans, who have a higher incidence of sickle cell.
Feds OK state plan to expand KidsCare eligibility, pay parent caregivers
PHOENIX - Arizona will expand income eligibility for the state's KidsCare program, potentially adding10,000 children to the low-cost health care program, and will make permanent a pandemic-era program to pay parents who act as caregivers for their disabled children.
Community 43 supplements Phoenix traditional mental health services with ‘clubhouse’ model focused on social and cognitive skills
PHOENIX — Community 43, a Phoenix mental health facility, uses a “clubhouse” model to provide recreational opportunities for members to improve quality of life and regain independence.
Naloxone vending machine unveiled in Valle del Sol clinic in south Phoenix
PHOENIX –Valle del Sol, a community health service with locations all through Phoenix, has set up a free naloxone vending machine at its south Phoenix clinic.
As Arizona Supreme Court weighs abortion law, both sides brace for ruling
WASHINGTON - It’s been nearly two months since the Arizona Supreme Court heard arguments over the state's abortion law, and its ruling could all but ban abortions in the state or allow them to continue up to 15 weeks. Both sides said they are bracing for that ruling - and waiting.
Arizona projected to have largest nursing shortage in U.S. in 2025
PHOENIX — A national analysis predicts Arizona will have the largest nursing shortage in the country by 2025, with 28,100 fewer registered nurses than needed. As both rural and urban hospitals struggle to retain and recruit nurses, advocates look at solutions.
Arizona Heart Association lobbies for bill mandating cardiac arrest emergency plans in schools
PHOENIX – Supporters from the American Heart Association lobbied at the Arizona Capitol in support of requiring emergency cardiac response plans in schools. Pyper Midkiff, a child who experienced cardiac arrest at age 12, spoke about her experience.
Our Ode to You nonprofit offers older adults in memory-care communities free therapeutic music, art programs
PHOENIX – Two Arizona high school seniors are using their talents to give back to older adult memory-care communities. Through free therapeutic music and art programs, Aani Nagaiah and Gage Samaddar are helping them evoke memories and de-stress.
Local coalition and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force educate community on disparity in Black breast cancer mortality rates
PHOENIX – PHOENIX – Black women are over 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite having a similar cancer incidence rate. The Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force educate the community on the importance of screenings and follow-up care.
Phoenix urgent care workers treat an influx of respiratory illnesses
PHOENIX – Health professionals say it’s not as bad as during the pandemic, but people with respiratory illnesses are filling hospitals and clinics in Maricopa County. Here’s what to expect if you come down with flu-like symptoms and need care.
