Future of ACA, health insurance coverage at stake in presidential election
WASHINGTON – Since the Affordable Care Act was implemented in 2013, local community members called navigators have helped enroll underserved Arizonans in health insurance and access medical care. But with the future of the ACA on the ballot in this year’s presidential election, navigators are bracing for what’s to come.
How mental health affects maternal mortality in Arizona
PHOENIX – Maternal mortality is a pressing issue in the U.S. and in Arizona, and mental health is a top contributor. Mothers and health-care authorities say women need better-quality care and accessibility.
Maricopa County combats heat with its heat-relief network; Phoenix reports serving 35,000
PHOENIX – Maricopa County opens several heat-relief centers every summer. These centers are vital to the community when the weather outside reaches unbearable temperatures; centers in Phoenix served more than 35,000 this summer.
Arizona Humane Society and Soldier’s Best Friend aid military families with pets, service animals
PHOENIX – Arizona Humane Society's Project Active Duty and Soldier’s Best Friend support active-duty military personnel and veterans by providing foster care for pets and service dog training during and after service.
Gen Z in Arizona and beyond worries that food choices are driving climate change
WASHINGTON – Gen Zers seek healthier food systems amid concerns about the environmental and health impacts of processed foods. Sustainable practices are a point of pride for Arizona’s Date Creek Ranch among other businesses.
Funding stalled for federal program that’s reducing diabetes among Arizona Native Americans
WASHINGTON – Tribal nations depend on Special Diabetes Program for Indians grants to fuel prevention programs in tribal communities. Congress has still not reauthorized future funding. Type 2 diabetes is especially prevalent in tribal populations.
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic too costly for Arizona patients on Medicaid, until obesity leads to diabetes
WASHINGTON – Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs have proven to be a powerful — but pricey — way to combat obesity. But a state policy excluding these drugs from Medicaid coverage has put them out of reach for hundreds of thousands of Arizonans.
Arizona Department of Education launches STOP-IT Task Force to raise awareness about dangers of fentanyl
PHOENIX – Arizona's STOP-IT Task Force, launched by the Department of Education, aims to combat the growing fentanyl crisis by providing education, prevention resources and support to students, parents and educators across the state.
Bed shortages and inadequate care leave patients with Serious Mental Illness in metro Phoenix at risk
With bed shortages across Arizona for SMI patients following the closure of St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Center, other facilities like Phoenix Medical Psychiatric Hospital are left to carry the burden and advocacy groups like Arizona Mad Moms are left fighting for the mental health care their loved ones need.
American Red Cross launches initiative to bring in Latino blood donors tied to Hispanic Heritage Month
PHOENIX – The American Red Cross Southwest Arizona chapter launched its “Los Donates” initiative to bring in more Latino donors during Hispanic Heritage Month.
California panel calls attention to ties between Southwest climate crisis and cancer disparities
LOS ANGELES – A recent California panel highlighted the urgent connection between climate change and cancer disparities affecting marginalized communities in the Southwest. Experts underscored the need for equitable policies to combat these related public health challenges.
Monitoring reports show prison health care provider NaphCare, Arizona still noncompliant after 2022 case
PHOENIX – A court battle has raged for more than a decade over prison health care and conditions, and only marginal improvements have been made, according to court monitors. There is a stalemate between the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation & Reentry, health provider NaphCare and Arizona courts.
