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HIPMC Monthly News & Updates | |
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HIPMC Partner welcome back! | |
Have an event or job opportunity to share? Let us know!
Did you know that almost half of the content featured in our newsletters is partner-submitted? Our newsletter reaches over 470 readers a month across Maricopa County. Click to submit your announcement to be featured in the next edition!
| Mark your calendar for upcoming HIPMC meetings! | |
Last 2 CHIP Subcommittee meetings of this cycle!
October 7, 2026 and November 4, 2026
October 8, 2026 and November 5, 2026
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You're invited to the 2026 HIPMC Summit!
December 2, 2026
Click to register for the meeting
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Recap: September Quarterly Partner Meeting | AHCCCS and Community Partners Launch KeepMyAHCCCS.com |
Partner highlight: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is bringing meals, health services, and bottled water to communities across Arizona
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Recap: September Quarterly Partner Meeting |
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Thanks to the 100 partners who joined our September Quarterly Partner Meeting - our highest attended meeting this year!
Keep reading for an overview of events and links to important updates and resources shared during each session.
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WIC Community Events
Presented by Anthony Kern, WIC Outreach Coordinator, MCDPH
Maricopa County WIC, in partnership with ASU Health and Desert Mission Food Bank, hosts community events throughout the county. These free, open-to-the-public events bring together 70-80 community organizations to provide community members with resources and family-friendly activities such as giveaways, games, and crafts. Families can complete WIC appointments at these events, and WIC can issue benefits and connect them to resources, including:
- SNAP and other DES programs
- Housing assistance
- Substance use and mental health assistance
- Healthcare resources
The next WIC event, the Spooktacular Fall Festival, will be Saturday, September 26th, from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The event will include food and fresh produce bags, resource tables, vision and hearing screenings, health screenings, crafts and games, and more. Partners are encouraged to help promote WIC events by distributing flyers and bilingual materials, sharing information through newsletters, and sending event information to other organizations.
For any inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please email Anthony.Kern@maricopa.gov
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H.R. 1 and Arizona's Policy Landscape
Presented by Ana Roscetti, Director of State Health Policy and Advocacy, Vitalyst Health Foundation
In this presentation, attendees received updates on H.R. 1 and upcoming changes impacting health coverage and nutrition assistance, including SNAP, Medicaid/AHCCCS, and Marketplace coverage. Changes discussed included eligibility and work requirements, Medicaid renewal changes, SNAP administrative and benefit costs, Marketplace enrollment, and impacts to state and healthcare funding.
Partners were encouraged to help clients understand and stay covered, disseminate application information to reduce administrative load and errors for AHCCCS, and ensure resources are up to date as changes occur. Partners were also encouraged to use AHCCCS materials to support consistent messaging and engage in federal and state advocacy.
Visit the newly launched KeepMyAHCCCS.com for information, updates, and resources related to the implementation of the new federal requirements.
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Health and Social Care in AZ: Community Health Workers
Presented by Gilbert Arvizu, PhD Candidate, ASU
Attendees heard more on Arizona's integrated health and social care system and the role of Community Health Workers in it. Since reimbursement changes took effect on April 1, 2023, challenges have included denied claims, fixed costs not matching reimbursement, and Arizona reimbursement rates being lower than other Southwest states.
Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) are also developing value-based payment plans for medical providers, creating opportunities to start thinking about potential partnerships. This session emphasized using what partners already have, advocacy, and getting to know the elected officials who represent your community.
For questions, please email gaarvizu@asu.edu
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Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Survey Updates
Presented by Anson Zhu, Community Health Assessment Coordinator, MCDPH
With the help of our HIPMC partners, MCDPH is excited to share that the final count for the 2026 CHNA Survey is 19,240, surpassing our goal of 15,000!
This community input, along with the secondary data and other assessments, will help MCDPH and partners better understand community health needs and inform the next CHIP.
The CHNA team is currently completing 16 Focus Groups and 16 Key Informant Interviews to continue gathering community input. Partners will get an early look at CHNA findings at the December 2026 HIPMC Summit, with additional county, regional, and population-specific findings released throughout 2027. Stay tuned!
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Maricopa County Public Health BOLD Grant
Presented by Shae Corea, Community Health Specialist, Diana Gonzalez, Dementia Grant Program Coordinator, and Jessica Banslaben, Senior Research and Evaluation Analyst, MCDPH
The Maricopa County BOLD Coalition supports a coordinated community approach to address Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) across public health domains, ADRD topics, and prevention levels. This work focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of dementia among the general public, healthcare providers, and other professionals, while strengthening partnerships that improve support for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
Over the past four years, accomplishments have included:
- Training for primary care providers to help diagnose and manage dementia
- Training for county-wide law enforcement officers interacting with individuals living with dementia and related cognitive conditions
- Working to expand adult memory care kits to all Maricopa County-run libraries
- Integrated ADRD caregiver questions into the CHNA Survey, Focus Groups, and Key Informant Interviews to better understand caregiver experiences and needs.
- 1,779 survey participants identified as ADRD caregivers, representing 9.2% of all responses. The CHNA ADRD Caregivers Report is coming Summer 2027!
Email the BOLD team to learn more: MCDPHBOLD@maricopa.gov
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Maricopa County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Update
Presented by Yoselyne Betancourt, Community Health Improvement Specialist, MCDPH
The 2024–2026 CHIP is wrapping up in December! As we approach the last two subcommittee meetings of this cycle, we shift our focus towards strengthening connections and identifying opportunities for collaboration among partners.
Partners are invited to join us for the 2026 HIPMC Summit on Wednesday, December 2nd, as we close out the current CHIP cycle and look ahead to what's next. The next CHIP will begin in 2027 using the new 2026 CHNA data.
In March 2027, partners will use the CHNA reports to identify emerging health issues and develop clear issue statements. In June, partners will explore what's driving the issues and examine the conditions and root causes contributing to them. In September, partners will prioritize which health issues rise to the top and use the completed Issue Profiles to determine Maricopa County's next health priorities.
Make sure to pre-register to get in on the fun!
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Synapse - Steering Committee Joint Meeting
Next door to the main session, members of the Synapse coalition and the HIPMC Steering Committee convened for their bi-annual joint meeting. During these gatherings, Synapse and Steering Committee members review progress on shared goals and provide important updates to strengthen collaboration while advancing community health efforts.
Meeting highlights include:
- Individual coalition and committee updates, including upcoming report cycles and closing out the current CHIP cycle
- Review of results from the Maricopa Health Matters partner satisfaction survey with a discussion of ways to demonstrate the purpose of community health work and identify spaces where partners can increase engagement
- Track progress of Maricopa Health Matters Strategic Plan goals, including, but not limited to, integrating Synapse members into CHIP subcommittees, developing a HIPMC partner directory tool, and refreshing the Maricopa Health Matters brand
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AHCCCS and Community Partners Launch KeepMyAHCCCS.com
To prepare Arizonans for new federal Medicaid work requirements taking effect January 1, 2027, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has launched a website that will serve as the central hub for information, updates, and resources related to implementation of the new requirements.
On KeepMyAHCCCS.com, AHCCCS members can:
- Determine if the upcoming federal requirements apply to them
- Learn about exemptions
- View resources to help members meet work requirements
- Confirm that their contact information on file with AHCCCS is current so they can receive updates when the requirements begin
The website can also be used by providers, advocates, and community partners to access frequently asked questions and educational materials and download outreach and community resources to support those affected by these changes. Visit KeepMyAHCCCS.com/partners to access this material and other helpful items.
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Pizza & the Basics
Learn. Ask Questions. Enjoy Free Pizza.
Join Prisma Community Care every 1st Tuesday of the month from 6:00 - 8:00 PM for Pizza & the Basics, a free community workshop designed to create open, judgement-free conversations about HIV.
Whether you’re looking to learn about the basics, clear up common misconceptions, or simply ask questions you’ve never felt comfortable asking, this workshop is for you. Together, you'll explore HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and the latest facts in a welcoming and supportive environment.
No prior knowledge is needed – just bring your curiosity. They'll bring the pizza.
What to expect:
- Free pizza
- A safe, welcoming space for open conversation
- Accurate, up-to-date information about HIV
- Open Q&A
- Resources to help you make informed decisions about your health
Details for the October workshop:
When: Tuesday, October 6th
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Come hungry, leave informed. Everyone is welcome.
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Partner highlight: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is bringing meals, health services, and bottled water to communities across Arizona
Bringing Meals, Health, and Support to the Streets of Downtown Phoenix
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Thousands of hot meals, health screenings, and essential supplies are reaching people experiencing homelessness in downtown Phoenix through a community partnership focused on meeting people where they are.
On Saturday mornings, a hot meal may also come with a blood pressure screening, hygiene kit, pair of socks, or supplies offering relief from Arizona’s extreme heat. This combination of food, health services and essential resources is part of an ongoing outreach effort led by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice (AZ Blue Health Choice), AZ Langar on Wheels, and Zeihan ProHealth.
| AZ Blue Helps Deliver 77,000 Bottles of Water to Tribal Communities Across Arizona | |
As another Arizona summer pushes temperatures into the triple digits, thousands of Tribal residents across the state are receiving something simple but essential: water.
This summer, 77,000 bottles of water are reaching Tribal communities across Arizona, helping families stay hydrated and safe during one of the state's most dangerous seasons.
Supported by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation (AZ Blue Foundation), the effort is part of a larger initiative to help Tribal Nations respond to extreme heat and protect residents most vulnerable to heat-related illness.
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Protect yourself and others: As of September 5, 2026, the number of heat deaths is trending higher than past years. Heat deaths are preventable and simple steps can reduce the number of deaths. Resources are available to help, including cooling centers and respite centers. Visit maricopa.gov/heat for more.
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