Arizona reports 20% increase in HIV cases, predominantly affecting Hispanic communities

PHOENIX – Reported Arizona HIV cases have increased by 20%, an uptick largely affecting the Hispanic community. A Phoenix care organization describes how financial and cultural barriers persist to persuading people to get tested.

Christopher Carrillo, case manager at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS in Phoenix. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

Prom, conversation, bingo: Seniors seek socialization

GILBERT – Phoenix senior homes held a prom in January to give their residents a special event with live music, dancing and a chance to dress up and socialize. Socialization is key to mental health and well-being for senior citizens.

Elaine Galusha, right, dances with Bob Platek during a prom on Jan. 27. “These are vibrant-life communities,” said Kim Wood, director of wellness programming at Savanna House. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

With traffic fatalities on the rise, Phoenix looks for safety solutions

PHOENIX – Phoenix, which had the most traffic deaths in the state in 2022, is working toward eliminating traffic fatalities using its Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan.

Phoenix, which had the most traffic deaths in the state in 2022, is working toward eliminating traffic fatalities using its Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan. (File photo by Andrea Jaramillo/Cronkite News)

Abortion opponents rally at Capitol during ‘crucial time in Arizona’

PHOENIX – Abortion opponents packed the plaza outside the Arizona Capitol on Friday in an impassioned display of anti-abortion advocacy at what one advocate called "a crucial time in Arizona" for the abortion fight.


Phoenix continues outreach to struggling teens during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix is using Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about a complex issue and to continue support and outreach for teens affected by dating violence.

Teen Lifeline counselors receive messages from teenagers who have called to express their gratitude. The organization keeps the messages and hangs them in their hotline room. (Photo courtesy of Teen Lifeline)

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.

The exterior of the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4th in downtown Tucson. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

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.

John Chavez gets his blood drawn in a donation chair on Feb 10. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite news)

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.

The Narcan vending machine in the Valle del Sol clinic lobby contains both the injectable and nasal spray versions of naloxone. The nasal spray is considered easier for the average person to use. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

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.