Supreme Court rules in favor of two Native American tribes in dispute with federal government over insurance billing fees

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Native American tribes in Arizona and Wyoming that sought millions in federal reimbursement for health care insurance billing fees.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Native American tribes in Arizona and Wyoming that sought millions in federal reimbursement for health care insurance billing fees. (File photo by Stephanie Snyder/Cronkite News)

Boosting mental health through haircuts: ClipDart recreates barbershop, salon experience for Glendale older adults

GLENDALE – ClipDart is working to boost mental health for vulnerable community members through the power of quality haircuts. The nonprofit recreates an authentic barbershop and hair salon experience by bringing skilled barbers and hair stylists to people who can’t access these kinds of services.

David Rodriguez cuts Daniel Holguin’s hair, left, while Moraima Robledo gives Maria Castillo, right, a haircut at the Glendale Community Center on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Sam Ballesteros/Cronkite News)

Debbie Lesko presses Fauci on gain of function, alleged suppression of lab-leak COVID-19 theory

WASHINGTON – Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, faced heated questions from Republicans on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic and denied allegations from Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko that he suppressed the lab-leak theory.

Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, questions former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci about the “lab-leak theory” and the origins of COVID-19 at a House select subcommittee meeting June 3, 2024 in Washington D.C. (Screen shot from U.S. House hearing)

Experts, beekeepers weigh in on local honey for seasonal allergies

SCOTTSDALE – The evidence that eating local honey can help with allergies is largely anecdotal; what's not in dispute is that local honey is both tastier and healthier than honey at the supermarket, beekeepers and experts agree.

Bees settle on a frame in their hive that has open larvae cells and capped worker brood comb. Photo taken in Scottsdale on March 20, 2024. (Photo by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

Rapid rise in syphilis hits Native Americans in the Southwest hardest

Syphilis infections nationwide reached a 70-year high in 2022, and no group has been hit harder than Native Americans, CDC data shows. Rates of congenital syphilis were three times higher for Indigenous than for Black babies, and 12 times higher than for whites.


Northern Arizona University research team addresses disparities in access to autism services

FLAGSTAFF – Olivia Lindly, an assistant professor at Northern Arizona University, is leading a research project highlighting disparities in access to autism services. This work will focus on inequitable care experienced by Latino, Black or American Indian and Alaska Native children with autism.

Families with autistic children gathered at a collaborative event put on by the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and the Arizona Coyotes Foundation in July 2022. (Photo courtesy of Olivia Fryer)

Indigenous advocates work to combat fake sober living homes in Arizona

PHOENIX – After Arizona legislation targeting fake sober living homes failed, tribal advocates across the state are working to combat the $2.8 billion Medicaid scheme that targets vulnerable Indigenous individuals.


Deaf community is divided over how cochlear implants affect deaf identity and culture

PHOENIX – Cochlear implants have sparked controversy about deaf culture and identity for decades. Some say they treat deafness as a disability that needs to be fixed and undermine the use of American Sign Language. One woman who got the implants says she was grateful to alleviate some of the hearing loss she’s suffered from her whole life.

Adult Loss of Hearing Association’s (from left) executive board member Sue Vardon, donor match partner Pat Clinch and Board President Cynthia Amerman pose for a portrait at the Adult Loss of Hearing Association in Tucson on May 11, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Cynthia Amerman)

Texas Tech Health El Paso program helps high school students go to medical school in state, aims to relieve statewide doctor shortage

EL PASO, Texas – As Texas faces a doctor shortage, a new program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso gives prospective medical students resources to encourage them to pursue their education and practice in state.

Makena Piñon, right, and Luke Briggs, freshmen at the University of Texas at El Paso, in a medical simulation lab at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

New Sage Memorial Hospital transforms Navajo health care

GANADO – A new $177 million state-of-the-art medical facility in the Navajo Nation is nearing completion. Before the new hospital opens, staff must keep caring for patients in cramped spaces and with outdated equipment. All of that will change this fall when the new facility opens. Here’s a look at how radically different the new hospital will be.

Sage Memorial Hospital’s new $177 million medical facility is set to open in October. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Sage Memorial Hospital in Navajo Nation constructs new facility to improve health care

GANADO – Sage Memorial Hospital is opening a new facility in Ganado, looking to improve rural health care for the Diné people. Despite project hurdles and construction setbacks, the community is looking forward to the hospital’s opening.

Cars travel west on Highway 264 toward Ganado, population 883 as of 2020. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Mobile units and nutrition assistance extend Sage Memorial’s reach

GANADO – Sage Memorial Hospital is tackling access to health care beyond its main facility in Ganado, with two mobile units.

One of Sage Memorial’s mobile health care units displays its mission statement. “We’re hoping to provide comprehensive health care services,” said Kathryn Barron, nurse practitioner and director of outpatient services and community health at Sage Memorial. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)