Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association

01/08/2026

Our 2025 Annual Report is now available!

See the wins, highlights and member-driven accomplishments from 2025, including advocacy victories, state budget highlights and programs that strengthened Arizona’s healthcare system.

🔗 Download the report: https://www.azhha.org/2025annualreport_download

01/03/2026

What exactly is uncompensated care?

Uncompensated care is the care hospitals provide when no payment is received, combining “bad debt” (unpaid bills) + “financial assistance/charity care.”

In Arizona in 2023 alone, hospitals provided $539.5 million in uncompensated care, because for AZ hospitals patients’ health comes before profit.

12/31/2025

As we get ready to ring in 2026, Arizona hospitals want to remind everyone that the best celebrations are the ones where we all make it home safely. Whether you’re celebrating in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff or anywhere across our great state, let’s look out for each other.

🛑 Plan a sober ride — Use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transit.
🍾 Drink responsibly — Know your limit and keep your health in mind.
🚗 Buckle up — Always wear a seatbelt, no matter how short the ride.
🎇 Use fireworks safely — Follow local rules and keep a safe distance from others.

AZ hospitals are always here for you, but we hope you won’t need us this New Year’s Eve.

12/29/2025

Even though holiday gift shopping may be behind us, many people are now feeling the urge to burn a hole in their pocket with fresh gift money.

Valley Hospital Outpatient Therapist Kara Maynes, LMSW, explains that the excitement of scoring a bargain triggers the brain’s reward system, making impulse shopping feel addictive. Kara shares that overspending can lead to guilt, stress and tension in relationships, and warning signs of compulsive buying include hiding purchases, spending money you don’t have, or using shopping to cope with emotions.

Her top tips to stay in control this season:
🛍 Set a clear budget
⏳ Try the 24-hour rule
📵 Unsubscribe from tempting brand emails
💛 Practice gratitude before you buy

12/25/2025

While Santa’s sleigh was flying through the night, Arizona’s healthcare heroes were also hard at work caring for patients, comforting families and making sure every community stays healthy and safe this holiday season. 🎄✨

To the doctors, nurses and every dedicated staff member who keeps showing up, thank you. Your commitment is the greatest gift of all. ❤️

Happy Holidays!

12/22/2025

Dr. Michael Vines, Medical Director at Quail Run Behavioral Health, shared tips last month ahead of Thanksgiving on how to keep the peace at the dinner table… and with more holiday gatherings upon us, his advice still very much rings true. 🔔

Holiday gatherings can bring joy, and sometimes tensions, stress and those tricky conversations we’d rather avoid. Dr. Vines reminds us that protecting our mental well-being and relationships is just as important as preparing the holiday feast.

Watch the full interview with Dr. Vines to learn more about staying connected and calm through every celebration this season.

12/20/2025

Benson Hospital recently completed the Cochise Produce Rx pilot, a “food as medicine” initiative that helped older adults with diet-related health conditions access nutritious, locally grown produce each week. 🍎

The hospital also hosted the Cochise Mobile Market every Monday, expanding fresh food access to the entire community while supporting local farmers and growers. 🚍🌽

By investing in healthy habits and community partnerships, Benson Hospital is leading the way in showing how nutrition can be a powerful tool for better health outcomes. Cheers to a successful pilot that has sparked meaningful progress for patients and for Cochise County!

https://www.tmchealth.tmcaz.com/en/tmc-health-news/in-the-news/rx-eat-your-fruits-and-veggies

A new program in Cochise County prescribes fresh produce for patients with diet-related health conditions.

12/19/2025

As we wrap up 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for our amazing members! ✨

Your trust, partnership and commitment to advancing healthcare in Arizona make all the difference.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year! 🎉

12/18/2025

From the Grand Canyon to the Sonoran Desert, our hospitals have got Arizona covered.

Whether you're in bustling Phoenix, rural Wickenburg or anywhere in between, Arizona hospitals are woven into the fabric of every community. Our hospitals don't just treat patients, they:
👨‍⚕️ Provide jobs and economic stability
🩻 Offer health education and screenings
🎗️ Support local charities and initiatives
👩‍⚕️ Train the next generation of healthcare professionals

They're not just IN your community, they ARE your community. 🌵

12/16/2025

Many Arizona families are deep into Elf on the Shelf season. While this tradition can bring tons of laughs, some parents are finding it’s becoming a nightly stressor, and in some cases, unintentionally creating anxiety or shame for kids.

Tamara Luckett, Chief Clinical Officer at Via Linda Behavioral Hospital, shared important guidance on recognizing when “fun elf mischief” crosses the line and how to shift the focus back to joy and connection.

Key reminders from Via Linda:
✔️ The elf should spark smiles, not fear of being watched
✔️ Avoid pranks that embarrass or single out a child
✔️ Use empathy & communication to guide behavior, not threats

If the Elf is starting to feel like more work than wonder, you’re not alone. Via Linda Behavioral Hospital is here as a resource so families can enjoy a season filled with warmth, not worry.

12/12/2025

Havasu Regional Medical Center is leading the nation as the first hospital to pilot the new PIVO™ Pro Needle-free Blood Collection Device in its Emergency Department, helping eliminate unnecessary needle sticks, prevent contamination and improve patient comfort. 💉

With more than 200 successful uses and a 0% contamination rate, this breakthrough is already making a meaningful difference for patients and providers alike.

Proud to see Arizona hospitals paving the way for safer, smarter care.

🔗 Read more: https://thestandardnewspaper.online/hrmc-pioneers-new-needle-free-blood-collection-device-earns-award/

12/10/2025

When care extends beyond hospital walls, entire communities thrive. Sage Memorial Hospital's Chizh for Elders project is helping seniors in Ganado stay warm through the coldest months by delivering chopped wood, hope and support right to their homes. What began as a staff-driven effort in 2023 has already made a powerful impact, earning the hospital the 2025 Outstanding Patient and Community Impact Award at AzHHA’s Quality Awards. 🏆

This is what compassion in healthcare looks like, meeting people where they are and ensuring elders feel safe, valued and cared for.

Link preview: https://navajotimes.com/ae/community/chizh-for-elders-brings-warmth-hope-to-ganados-seniors/

The cold air surrounds the small community of Ganado and with it come the challenges of finding warmth in the winter. Through their project, Chizh for Elders, Sage Memorial Hospital provides elders with chopped wood to keep them warm during the harshest months.