Broadcasters, inspired by Arizona, kick off national opioids campaign
WASHINGTON - National broadcasters, anti-drug advocates and a bipartisan group of lawmakers Tuesday unveiled a campaign to target opioid addiction, an effort that was partly inspired by a 2015 documentary on heroin addiction in Arizona.
Valley mayors join others urging Congress to approve Zika funding
WASHINGTON - Three Valley mayors were among 77 who urged congressional leaders Tuesday to do what everyone seems to agree is necessary - pass stalled legislation to fund Zika virus research before they go on another recess.
Fun, freedom at Bartlett Lake for people with disabilities
RIO VERDE - For one day, 12-year-old Aidan Ringo forgot the endless days of doctor visits.
He got on a wake board and sped across Bartlett Lake with his friends and family by his side, and got the chance to experience other water adventures like kayaking, tubing, and jet skiing.
Tessa Ringo, Aidan's mother, describes the opportunities for her child, born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, as magical.
"As soon as he gets on that wake board, I kind of always wipe a tear away," Tessa Ringo said. "Just being so proud of him and being able to sit back and observe him gaining confidence, being independent, and having an experience that every 12-year-old can do."
"It is amazing what they can do for kids that can't go out on the lake that much," said Aidan, his hair still damp from wake boarding. He said the Day at the Lake, as it's called, let's people focus on fun, not their disabilities, doctors' visits "or whatever crazy stuff that's been happening."
[caption id="attachment_35574" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Aidan Ringo and sister Ella share a touching moment at "Day on the Lake." (Photo by Allyson Hoskins/Cronkite News)[/caption]
Aidan's sister Ella is proud of her big brother.
"It is really exciting because I get to see my brother do stuff that he can't really do," Ella said. I'm glad he can do it."
Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix hosts the weekend water activities for families that have children with disabilities and veterans. Last weekend was its 20th anniversary.
Children and adults can water or jet ski, go on a kayak or go tubing.
Brenna Bean, a recreation therapist and a volunteer for the lake event, has used a wheelchair since her spinal cord was injured when she was in a car accident when she was 18 years old.
"I love the adaptive activities they do here, so it really gives people with disabilities the chance to get out and try things that they never thought they would be able to do," Bean said.
Jo Crawford, the program coordinator at Barrow Neurological Institute, based at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, said the event – the next one will not be until 2017 – offers one more way to enjoy life.
"Come out and live your life, you've been through so much," Crawford said. "Come here and live it cause that's what you're here to do. That's what we are going to help you do."
Pinal County dodges health care void as Blue Cross steps in to offer ‘Obamacare’ coverage
PHOENIX – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona announced Wednesday that it will remain in the Pinal County Affordable Care Act health exchange.
Do you or someone you know have experience with opioids?
Cronkite News is committed to reporting on the impact of opioid use in Arizona.
Are you concerned about opioid use in Arizona?
Reporters at Cronkite News are working on a project on the impact of prescription opioid use in Arizona. What do you want to know?
Medical marijuana for pain relief: Share your experience
There are many forms of pain management, including prescription drugs and natural remedies. As part of a Cronkite News investigation into prescription opioids, we would like to hear from people who use medical marijuana for pain relief.
Feds ‘confident’ Arizonans will have health options, as insurers pull out
WASHINGTON - Federal officials "remain confident" that Arizona residents will have options when they look for health care under the Affordable Care Act next year, even as another insurer pulled out of the insurance marketplace in the state.
Arizona blood bank prepares to test donated blood for Zika
SCOTTSDALE - An Arizona blood bank will soon start screening donated blood for the Zika virus, following an FDA recommendation.
Arizonans can soon drop off expired drugs at 18 Walgreens kiosks
PHOENIX — Arizona residents will soon be able to drop off out-of-date prescription drugs for safe, easy disposal at 18 Walgreens stores, Gov. Doug Ducey said Friday.
Club soccer player stresses importance of concussion education after injury
PHOENIX — On a muggy night in early August 2015, Bianca Feix was trading jokes with her family around the dinner table. The hands on the clock pointed to 6 p.m. when Bianca, a 13-year-old club soccer player, was in the middle of a story when she grabbed her head.
