It is hard to believe we are rapidly coming to a close this year and have been through so much change and growth together. It’s been a long year, and we’re all looking forward to a well-deserved break!

As this holiday season starts, one of the most spiritual times of the year also begins, the Winter Solstice. It is our transcendent time to reconnect to the natural world and access our most powerful selves. In its time of twilight, the Winter Solstice is also a time to reflect spiritually and inwardly - to care for self, for our loved ones, and to prepare for the longer days ahead.

It is also the season to pause, acknowledge goodness, kindness, possibilities, and hope. Most importantly, to embrace thankfulness, positivity, and humanity towards one another.

On behalf of AzRHA, I share my sincere appreciation for generously giving of your time, expertise, and wisdom to drive the work of the association. The association promises to continue to grow, learn, and work hard to be leaders and advocate for rural health in Arizona. The Association exists because of the passion, support, and contributions of our members, staff, partners, and stakeholders. We take time to acknowledge and say Thank You.

I express my pride and gratitude to those I work with, the people who make the mission and values of Arizona Rural Health Association a reality. I want to  to express the same gratitude and sincerity to the communities we serve and our loyal members, partners and stakeholders that support us in many ways.

I wish you a Blessed Season and a prosperous New Year. May these days be filled with joy, peace, and hope for the New Year!

The Arizona Rural Health Association (AzRHA) is pleased to announce that Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has signed a proclamation declaring Thursday, November 17, 2022 to be Rural Health Day in Arizona.

The Governor’s proclamation, made at the request of AzRHA, celebrates the important contributions of health care professionals who serve Arizona’s rural communities.

Recognized by the Governor’s proclamation are members of the Arizona workforce who work in rural hospitals, health clinics, behavioral and community health centers, county health departments, private clinical and dental practices, pharmacies, paramedics, and emergency medical services (EMS) and community health workers.

Many Arizona residents who live in rural communities experience significant challenges accessing health services due to geographic isolation, income inequities, lack of health insurance, language barriers, or other service barriers. They experience health workforce shortages in every professional category; in response, federal agencies have designated most of rural Arizona as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). These conditions create barriers for people seeking services and contribute to stress among the health professionals who serve rural communities.

Rural health organizations often have difficulty competing with urban care providers in recruiting and retaining health professionals because of salary inequities. Rural health professionals are under pressure to maintain practice environments and often find it harder to sustain operations.

Honoring Rural Health Day, AzRHA is planning a no-cost public webinar titled “The Rural Health Landscape.”  This webinar is scheduled for November 16, 2022 at 11 a.m. and will feature Mr. Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association. Webinar co-sponsors include the University of Arizona’s Center for Rural Health, Arizona Telemedicine Program, Southwest Arizona Telehealth Resource Center, and the All-of-Us Research Program.  

To learn more and register for this webinar or about Arizona Rural Health Day, visit www.azrhassociation.org.

As President of the Arizona Rural Health Association, I am honored to have accepted the responsibility to serve as the president of AzRHA for the 2022-2023 year.  I want to express my sincere gratitude for this opportunity.

It has been a challenging couple of years with the public health emergency.  I am heartened by the strong and focused commitment of the membership that continue to serve on the AzRHA Board of Directors. AzRHA provides an excellent platform for members to develop and contribute to communities they serve.  I look forward to working toward excellence with the AzRHA Board of Directors as I have known this team to care as I do.  We serve because we care. 

My goal is to grow, strengthen and energize the AzRHA membership, provide meaningful educational opportunities for the AzRHA membership, increase membership communication continue to advocate for rural health policy during my service as Board President. We will work on putting extra effort into outreach.

I am sincerely grateful for past president, Elizabeth Hall-Lipsy, for her outstanding leadership during her tenure as the Board President.  Her commitment and leadership inspire me.

Lastly, I am genuinely grateful for the trust to serve, and I will work to fulfill the goals and mission of AzRHA. I thank you for your support, guidance, and encouragement.

Respectfully,

Holly Figueroa
President
Arizona Rural Health Association