2022 Grantees | AZBlue

Home
Grants
Grantees
2022 Grantees

Grantees

Congratulations to these Foundation grantees:

Organizations and Project	Funding Purpose
Ability360 The Ability Program Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 125 people with neurological disabilities and conditions Project: Support the transition from rehabilitation care to independent living for people with neurological disabilities and conditions including spinal cord injury and other forms of paralysis, brain injury, stroke, and amputations. Ability360 Sports and Fitness Center is one of three accessible facilities in the U.S., and through The Ability Program (TAP), provides education, resources, peer mentoring, accessible transportation, and health and wellness programs. TAP participants gain knowledge and skills to improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of secondary health conditions and re-hospitalization.
American Cancer Society Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Through Culturally Relevant Patient Education and Navigation Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 10,000 Native American adults, ages 45-75 Project: If found early, the five-year survival rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) is ~ 91%. Screening rates for Native Americans in Arizona are the lowest of all races/ethnicities, putting them at the highest risk. This innovative project in partnership with NATIVE HEALTH helps increase CRC screening rates and reduce mortality for Native American patients in Arizona through evidence-based interventions: Increase service delivery through provider education Increase demand through culturally appropriate patient education Increase awareness about the importance of CRC screening via a social media campaign Increase access to care by mailing FIT test kits directly to patients’ homes
American Heart Association Stop the Silent Killer: Hypertension Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Yavapai	Population: Adults with controlled or uncontrolled hypertension Project: Reduce the escalating morbidity trend caused by uncontrolled hypertension while addressing health equity. A collaboration with the three Community Health Centers (CHCs) in Yavapai County, this project will support at-risk adults who are financially under-resourced by providing home-use blood pressure cuffs for 60 patients. To make hypertension identification and treatment more effective for all 12,500 CHC patients, the American Heart Association will help clinical staff increase accuracy of blood pressure measurements, align treatment protocols with industry best practices, and improve data collection and monitoring.
American Lung Association Arizona LUNG FORCE Campaign* Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: 4,600+ Arizonans living with lung cancer Project: When lung cancer is detected early, the likelihood of surviving 5+ years improves to 60%. Arizona has one of the lowest screening rates in the country, ranking 44 out of 50. The LUNG FORCE campaign will increase early detection in Arizona by: Educating the public about the importance of early detection and eligibility requirements for a low-dose CT scan Educating patients and caregivers about lung cancer and treatment options Providing 20 facilitator training scholarships for adult smoking and youth vaping cessation programs *This grantee is funded to impact both Chronic Health Conditions and Substance Use Disorder.
Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona Whole Health for Veterans Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: Arizona veterans diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) Project: Create a better future through brain injury prevention, advocacy, and education. Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona supports, connects, and empowers survivors of brain injury and caregivers on their journeys to recovery. A team of certified brain injury specialists assist caregivers and survivors as they navigate complex neurological, medical, insurance, and employment challenges. Funding will enable this organization to provide direct support to 100 veterans and military families who have experienced a brain injury by providing 250 referrals to vetted services and 48 hours of Whole Health Instruction, a program designed to address all components of proactive health and well-being for this population.
Creek Valley Health Clinic Strengthening Nutrition and Activity in Our Connected Community (SNACC) Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Coconino, Mohave	Population: People with chronic health conditions residing in Colorado City and the surrounding northern Arizona rural area Project: Increase access to healthy foods and education about the connection between nutrition and chronic disease for those living in rural food deserts. This integrated, community-based program brings together healthcare organizations, the local food bank and marketplace, social service agencies, universities, and health departments focused on improving health outcomes and preventing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Funding will enable the program to offer services including coaching, classes, food RX bags, and produce gift cards to an additional 250 people.
Interfaith Community Services Promoting Health Equity through Access to Food* Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Pima	Population: Community members who struggle with food insecurity Project: Address the intersection of health equity and chronic health conditions by expanding access to nutritious food in Pima County where food insecurity is a growing crisis. Interfaith Community Services (ICS)will serve the growing needs of clients in low-income areas and the amount of food distributed through its brick-and-mortar food bank, mobile food bank, and produce distribution program. ICS also connects clients to wraparound services(e.g., emergency financial assistance). *This grantee is funded to impact both Chronic Health Conditions and Health Equity.
Mesa Arts Center Creative Aging Program* Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 600 older adults and their caregivers Project: Uplift creative expression for older adults to help them build community and improve overall wellbeing. Research shows that creative aging programs can help decrease medication use, improve balance and gait, and improve mood. For those living with Parkinson’s or dementia, arts-based activities can have a positive effect on physical and mental health, plus social functioning. By giving 600 older adults and their caregivers the opportunity to make art, this program will offer the benefits of social connection, creative expression, and increased overall wellness. *This grantee is funded to impact both Chronic Health Conditions and Mental Health.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Pathways to Cures Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: All 13,383 Arizonans living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Project: Ensure that all individuals living with MS in Arizona will benefit from research breakthroughs, advancements, and innovative approaches of the Pathways to Cures project. This project is the world’s largest effort to combat MS. It is focused on halting disease activity and progression, reversing symptoms, and stomping out MS forever. This is made possible by advancing a full spectrum of research, driving global collaboration and innovation, launching the next generation of MS researchers, and advancing federal funding and research initiatives. With Pathways to Cures, the end of MS is in reach.
Northern Arizona University Foundation Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Family Nurse Practitioner Scholarship Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Yavapai, Yuma	Population: Students enrolled in Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program and people in rural and underserved areas facing a shortage of healthcare providers Project: Increase the number of FNPs dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and managing chronic health problems in rural and underserved areas with a goal of decreasing health disparities and improving health equity. The NAU School of Nursing helps improve the health of Arizonans by increasing the healthcare workforce and serving rural communities where chronic health conditions are a leading cause of death and disability. Funding will enable NAU to reduce educational costs by offering scholarships to 11 FNP students who will provide medical care for an estimated 26,250 to 27,300 underserved patients.
Yuma’s Health Matters Curable: A Lifestyle Approach for Diabetes Control Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Yuma	Population: Adults, veterans, seniors, and disabled people at risk of diabetes Project: Educate and empower people at risk of diabetes with information, tools, and expert support to make lifestyle choices that support their long-term health. Trained coaches will deliver the CDC 12-month prevention program “Type 2 Diabetes for All” for individuals at risk of diabetes. The program includes regular meetings to deliver content; offer digital weigh-ins, blood glucose monitoring, and nutrient tracking; and support physical lifestyle changes. Funding will empower 40 program participants to learn how to reduce the risk of diabetes by improving their nutritional and exercise habits. This group’s improved lifestyles will ripple out to benefit families, friends, and communities.

Organizations and Project	Funding Purpose
Accept The Challenge HealthFirst Improve Whole Child Health Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Low-income, underserved children, youth, and families Project: Childhood obesity is at an all-time high and children as young as eight are becoming pre-diabetic. Many among the target population do not understand how food and exercise choices impact their long-term health. This project provides 550 children with 10 weeks of high-impact nutrition and exercise classes along with workbooks and online support. Curriculum is evidence-based to help prevent childhood obesity and secondary diseases. Staff teachers will lead classes and work with families in support of children developing healthy eating and regular exercise habits.
Be a Leader Foundation Pipeline of Postsecondary Access and Success Programs Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Students, primarily those from underrepresented and underserved populations Project: Increase the number of students who are prepared for and succeed in higher education by providing the resources that overcome socioeconomic disadvantages and barriers to higher education. Funding will provide over 2,000 students with mentoring, skill development, student networking, and other resources vital to postsecondary attainment. With programs for students in middle school, high school, community college, and four-year college, Be A Leader’s multi-layered support is helping to break the cycle of generational poverty and create a more equitable future.
Diocese of Phoenix Charity and Development Appeal Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: People of lower socio-economic status who may be homeless or have unstable housing, have limited or no access to healthcare and good nutrition, or suffer from mental health problems Project: Fund 70+ agencies and ministries that help families and individuals access better physical, mental, and spiritual care. The additional resources will enable the Diocese of Phoenix to bolster a wide range of programs that support healthier and safer families, more stable housing, employment, and education for 65,000 people.
Education Forward Arizona Empowering Diversity Scholarship Mentoring Program Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: La Paz, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Yuma	Population: Students from low-income backgrounds, most of whom are the first in their family to attend college Project: Equip current and former recipients of the Empowering Diversity Scholarship to achieve their academic goals. Success advisors work 1:1 with students providing mentoring sessions, enrollment counseling, academic tracking, financial aid advice, networking, and professional development opportunities. Funding will provide full wraparound services for the 2022-2023 scholarship recipients and ongoing e-mentoring services for another 100 students. Beyond the immediate impact on students and their families, Education Forward Arizona services contribute to Arizona’s goal of 60% postsecondary attainment among residents aged 25-64 by 2030.
Elaine Transportation Assistance Program Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Vulnerable community members who do not have access to transportation Project: Provide free, safe, and reliable transportation for those experiencing homelessness, older adults, disabled, and other vulnerable people who lack the means to reach services critical to their health. Enable participants to access physical and mental health appointments, grocery stores/food pantries, employment opportunities, housing/shelter, and community centers/support groups. Recognizing that transportation is the social determinant of health (SDOH) that impacts every other determinant, Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) combines rides with one-to-one relationship-building in an empathetic and culturally sensitive manner. The result is sustained access to SDOH services for clients and lasting improvement of community health equity.
Feeding Matters Arizona Grassroots Outreach, Education, and Support Initiative Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Coconino, Maricopa, Pima	Population: Over 50,000 children diagnosed or at risk of being diagnosed with Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) Project: Heighten awareness of PFD among organizations and providers so that more children with PFD and their families can access the resources, support, and guidance they need. Feeding Matters’ bilingual and bicultural coordinator will lead activities that improve the reach and cultural appropriateness of its PFD materials/resources, promote PFD education through digital media and public relations, provide PFD education to healthcare professionals and nonprofit organizations, and offer support and resources to underserved Arizona families. Funding will enable the organization to support an additional 1,197 families in helping their child with PFD thrive.
Friendship Retirement Corporation dba Glencroft Center for Modern Aging Staff Training Increases Oral Health Access for Seniors Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Low-income seniors who reside in Glencroft’s Towers Project: Oral health disorders are common among seniors, and Original Medicare does not cover dental services. Though some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans offer limited coverage, most residents cannot afford to pay for dental services out of pocket. This program trains skilled nursing and memory care staff to meet the unique needs of seniors and dementia patients by providing oral hygiene care and supplies to residents. Training for 74 total staff will improve both the oral health and the overall well-being of 250 residents.
Grand Canyon Institute Reimagining Public Safety* Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Tempe residents experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness Project: 911 calls to the Tempe Police Department about mental illness, addiction, and homelessness have nearly doubled over the past few years. These issues disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Because the department does not currently have a way to collect and analyze data from these calls, it is difficult to provide alternatives to policing for people impacted by these concerns. This project will create a repeatable methodology for analyzing 911 calls to help the Tempe Police Department understand the scope and frequency of police responses, so they can better allocate resources, refine policies, and improve outcomes. *This grantee is funded to impact both Health Equity and Mental Health.
Mission of Mercy Access to Healthcare for Uninsured and Underinsured Families Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Uninsured and underinsured families Project: Provide free primary healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured patients at six rotating clinic sites throughout Maricopa County. Mission of Mercy services include free primary medical care, prescription medications, patient support, health education for preventing and managing acute and chronic conditions, community resource referrals, and enrollment assistance for programs such as SNAP, TANF, and WIC. Its clinics see up to 65 patients daily, serving approximately 2,500 patients over 15,000 visits annually and dispensing tens of thousands of free prescription medications. Funding will enable Mission of Mercy to offer these services at no cost to an additional 55 individuals.
Phoenix Public Library Foundation College Depot at Phoenix Public Library — Providing Wraparound Care to Ensure Success Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Underserved, low-income students and adults Project: Connect an additional 120 students with the free, comprehensive re-engagement and college planning services provided by College Depot. Nearly all College Depot customers live at or near the poverty level and will be the first in their family to attend college. College Depot supports students in earning their high school diploma (or equivalent) and navigating the postsecondary education process. These students go on to earn more, have a better quality of life, and inspire others to continue their education. The wider impact of this funding is a stronger and healthier Phoenix.
RE Centers of Arizona MAMA Mentorship Project Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Navajo	Population: Single mothers living in poverty Project: Provide comprehensive support to help low-income single mothers and their children stabilize. Empower them to set healthy mental, physical, and financial goals that lay a foundation for better futures for their families. Through over 50 hours of evidence-based curriculum, mentorship, community connections, and personalized case management, this project will support an additional 55 program participants in starting their journey out of poverty.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona Keeping Families Together Program Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Cities from all 15 Arizona counties	Population: Families in rural communities needing specialized pediatric care for life-threatening illnesses or injuries Project: Ensure all families experiencing a pediatric health crisis, even those who can’t afford costly hotel stays and transportation, can access the specialized medical care their children need. With access to the comforts of home in close proximity to pediatric facilities, family members can meet their basic needs while advocating for and supporting their children. This project will expand services to an additional 700 people.
Social Spin Foundation Showering the Unsheltered Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Unsheltered people and those with inadequate shelter Project: Improve health, comfort, safety, and community economic health by providing free showers to unsheltered neighbors. The Social Spin Foundation’s Wash with Care program provides clean clothes through its free laundromat for 150+ people weekly. With funding from the Maricopa County Health Department’s Healthy & Resilient Communities grant, the organization converted a bathroom into a shower and is launching a new service: Showering the Unsheltered. Funding will enable the Social Spin Foundation to provide 1,300 showers to unsheltered neighbors in a 12-month period. Each shower will include a range of essential hygiene products and clean towels.
Southwest Human Development Reach Out and Read Arizona Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Low-income families with young children ages 0-5 Project: Close the school-readiness gap by empowering 4,100 under-resourced families to support their children’s early literacy development. Reach Out and Read is a national, evidence-based program that incorporates books into well-child visits as a way for pediatricians to observe development and encourage parent-child reading at home. This increases language and book-reading exposure — integral supports for emergent literacy. Southwest Human Development partners with the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics in working with over 70 pediatric clinics and manages quarterly book distributions that meet the age, language, and cultural needs of each clinic’s patients and families.
The State of Black Arizona Maternal/Child Health in Black Arizonans Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: Black mothers and children Project: Black women have the highest infant mortality rate in the nation, and Black infants are 1.6 times more likely to be born of low-birth weight and die before their first birthday. This project will support focused research and data compilation and synthesizing to identify the key contributing factors to these challenges in health equity for Black mothers and children in Arizona. Informed by the research, realistic action steps will enable community leaders and organizations to address identified gaps and improve health equity for this population.
Unlimited Potential Spaces of Opportunity Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Low-income people of color and immigrants living in South Phoenix Project: Provide an on-site source of drinking water for farmers and gardeners at the Spaces of Opportunity community garden located in South Phoenix, where life expectancy is 14 years lower than neighboring communities. Currently farmers and gardeners must bring their own water to the garden, often in plastic bottles. The project will install eight SOURCE® hydro panels that use sunlight and air to produce safe drinking water. Access to a clean, renewable, and sustainable source of drinking water will increase the health and productivity for 120 individuals working at the garden and reduce plastic waste.
Youth On Their Own YOTO Program – Student Services Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Pima	Population: Youths in grades 6-12 who are unsheltered or housing insecure Project: Students who are living on their own struggle to attend school due to the stress of meeting basic needs like shelter, food, clothing, transportation, and school supplies. As a result, they often have very low high school graduation rates. Through Youth On Their Own (YOTO), students have the support to focus less on daily survival and more on in-school success. Funding will directly support 91 students with financial stipends, donated goods, transportation assistance, and ongoing academic guidance, and could also aid as many as 889 students, depending on their needs.

Organizations and Project	Funding Purpose
100 Club of Arizona First Responder Mental Health Wellness – Peer 100 Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: 500 first responders throughout Arizona facing mental health challenges, and their families Project: While most people experience two to three traumatic events in their lifetimes, first responders typically experience ~ 3.5 traumas every six months. This takes a toll on mental health. The Peer 100 program helps patrol officers, firefighters, and medics address the chronic stress of putting their lives on the line every day. By offering a crisis line, support (peer-to-peer and virtual/online), training, resources, referrals, wellness programs, family mentoring and training, suicide prevention initiatives, and financial assistance, this program will help participating first responders improve their mental health.
A New Leaf Parents & Children Teaming Together Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Children ages 0-17 with complex behavioral and mental health needs who are also low-income and Title 19-eligible Project: Provide tools and resources that will enhance the delivery of Parents & Children Teaming Together (PACTT) care coordination and rehabilitation services for children with complex needs. A New Leaf’s PACTT program is part of the Meet Me Where I Am initiative designed by the Arizona Department of Health Services Division of Behavioral Health. While PACTT care coordination, behavior coaching, and family social determinants of health assessments are covered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, supplies critical to engaging children and allowing coaches to work in different environments (family home, school, etc.) are not. Funding will enable the organization to purchase these supplies, improving both service facilitation and positive outcomes for 340 children and their families.
Arizona Association for Foster & Adoptive Parents Caring for Caregivers Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa, Pima	Population: Adoptive parents and caregivers who provide foster and kinship care Project: Provide individual behavioral health counseling to help caregivers manage stress, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, and grief that often results from caring for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, and/or neglect. Arizona Association for Foster & Adoptive Parents (AZAFAP) will build a preferred provider list for caregivers and pay for three to five counseling sessions with providers who agree to a maximum of $120 per session. This project will provide 200 hours of counseling for caregivers who do not have insurance coverage for behavioral health services. By connecting caregivers with much-needed support, this project supports the continued care for Arizona’s most vulnerable children.
Arizona Foundation of Human Service Providers Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: 100 adults who work with or care for adolescents (ages 12-18) throughout Arizona Project: Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth ages 14-18. Nearly one-third of parents today report that their child’s mental/emotional health is worse than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an evidence-based training that teaches family members, teachers, and other adults the skills needed to identify, understand, and respond to an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Funding will enable the Foundation to train two additional instructors who will provide the YMHFA training at no cost for 100 adults who work with or care for youth.
Arizona’s Children Association Transition Age Youth Program Support Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: Youth aged 16-22 with a mental health diagnosis, including serious mental illness Project: Ensure young adults, the least likely to receive mental health care, can access behavioral support. This project will enable the expansion of the current youth support program to serve an additional 1,000 participants by creating a consistent coordination of care framework, providing ongoing staff training and additional staff to deliver mental health services and resources to prepare youth for adulthood. Youth will access high-quality and specialized mental health services, skills training, and connection with resources to prepare them for adulthood.
Arizona State University Foundation Long-Term Effects of the Family Check-Up 4 Health on Healthcare Utilization Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 480 children ages 6-12 and parents who participated in the Family Check-Up 4 Health (FCU4Health) study Project: Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the long-term effectiveness and future scalability of the FCU4Health study. Arizona State University (ASU) adapted FCU, an evidenced-based parenting program, to address both physical and behavioral health in the primary care setting and wanted a meaningful tool for measuring its impact. Study participants were children aged 6-12 who faced disparities in behavioral health, pediatric obesity, and access to care. The study, funded by the CDC, showed significant effects on self-regulation, conduct problems, and emotional problems. Funding will complement funding provided by ASU’s Center for Health Information and Research to extract, clean, and analyze data required to evaluate the study’s long-term health effects and economic impact.
Arizona State University Foundation for A New American University ASU High School Mental Health Toolkit Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 2,900 students in grades 9-12 Project: Strengthen social and emotional well-being skills for empathy, resilience, and coping in response to experiences of violence and suicidality. In partnership with the high school districts, ASU will distribute its Mental Health Toolkit to students and provide training for key school staff on its implementation. The Toolkit is a proactive guide to mental health skill-building and reducing stigma, which engages students in developing a peer-based plan for the social and emotional well-being of their student body. Plans are developed by a student club with a campus advisor, and an ASU student serves as mentor, trainer, and ambassador between the school and ASU.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona Trauma-Informed Care Training Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: A diverse population of 1,220 high-risk youth ages 6 to 18 Project: Arizona was ranked 40th in child well-being in the U.S. in 2021. Funding will enable BBBSAZ to train mentors, staff, and parents in trauma-informed care (TIC), the BBBSAZ evidence-based mentoring model that helps youth achieve success in schools and their communities. Through mentoring visits two to four times per month and access to a wide range of sports, cultural, academic, arts, and leadership experiences, 1,220 high-risk youth will get the TIC support they need to avoid risky behaviors, improve relationships, perform better in school, reduce mental health problems and substance use, and increase graduation rates.
Child Crisis Arizona Art Healing for Foster Youth Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Boys ages 10-17 in Child Crisis Arizona’s (CCA) group home and male youth ages 16-21 in the Independent Living Program Project: Support 30 foster youth in addressing the trauma they’ve experienced (verbal, physical, or sexual abuse; family disfunction; separation from birth family; etc.) through a healing art practice. Taught by artists who are trauma survivors, the sessions support participants in expressing emotion through artistic representation. CCA licensed staff (therapist or behavioral health technician) will attend to observe and inform their therapeutic process to best serve the needs of each youth. Funding for the art health program expands the therapeutic opportunities available to youth and supports them in working through trauma to strengthen their mental health and overall well-being.
Childhelp, Inc. Critical Mental Health Services for Young Victims of the Opioid Crisis Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Children impacted by the opioid crisis and abuse/neglect Project: Support children and youth who are victims of abuse and crime as a result of the opioid crisis through Childhelp’s accredited and evidence-based model of therapeutic care and victim services. Childhelp provides investigational resources, medical treatment, behavioral health services, and advocacy to child abuse victims and their families, regardless of socio-economic status. Services are provided in a child-centric and neutral environment that prioritizes children's needs. Funding will enable Childhelp to provide a minimum of 200 mental health sessions to 50 children, helping to increase their protective factors and positive experiences, and decrease social isolation.
Children’s Museum dba Children’s Museum Tucson - Oro Valley Building Resilience through WEE Education Programs Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Cochise, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz	Population: Families with children, birth to age 7, including those who are Spanish-speaking and receiving WIC/SNAP benefits Project: One in six children ages 2-8 in the United States have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental condition. Research shows that mindfulness can help lower stress and boost resilience. Children’s Museum Tucson - Oro Valley brings mindfulness through our WEE Education Programs, which serve early learners of all abilities and their caregivers. WEE Programs increase exposure to a variety of disciplines through bilingual (English and Spanish) programming. Funding will serve 3,952 participants via 847 programs and increase access for over 1,500 children through reduced daily admission for WIC/SNAP families.
Chiricahua Community Health Centers Chiricahua Cares – Behavioral Health Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Cochise	Population: Adults with mental health needs outside billable services Project: Provide a flexible funding source to ensure that all Chiricahua Cares behavioral health patients have the resources they need to be healthy. The Cares Fund is a safety net pool of financial resources that removes barriers to behavioral healthcare for patients in need, including medication assisted treatment for opioid drug dependency which can cost $3,000+ per dose. Funding will enable the Cares Fund to provide an emergency source of funds for an additional 100 patients with needs such as medications, copays, specialist fees, transportation, food, utilities, or housing when no other resources can be found.
Creek Valley Health Clinic Improving Mental Health Services in Colorado City, AZ Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Coconino, Mohave	Population: 600 residents of Colorado City and its environs Project: Support the improvement, expansion, and development of behavioral and mental health services offered by the Creek Valley Health Clinic, which is located in a remote area of the state. Program will offer 600 individuals services including direct patient care, care coordination, and community-based training on mental health first aid, trauma-informed care, and more.
El Rio Health Center Foundation El Rio Mission of Hope New Youth Mental Health Project Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Pima	Population: Underserved youth, ages 12-17, and their families Project: Increase staffing to support youth identified in need of mental health care at El Rio. This project will create a youth behavioral health team to support 200-300 patients. Funds will cover staff hiring and training, space rental, community outreach, service delivery, and evaluation. The project will establish a comprehensive medical and behavioral services home that is dedicated to improving access, equity, and mental health and medical outcomes for these youth.
EMPACT – Suicide Prevention Center Youth Mental Health/Substance Use Initiative Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Gila	Population: 500 youth ages 10-18 Project: Address the intersection of mental health and substance misuse through education, screening, and—for youth deemed at-risk—parental involvement, plus referrals to care. Outreach and prevention services are provided at schools and youth-serving organizations. Youth learn about signs of depression and suicidality and how to respond using the ACT process: Acknowledge seeing the signs, Care about a friend (show concern), and Tell a trusted adult. The combination of education, training, and early intervention is designed to save lives by promoting good mental health, reducing alcohol and drug use, and identifying youth who are at risk for suicide and/or substance misuse. EMPACT has achieved favorable outcomes through the initiative in Maricopa and other counties.
Everybody Matters Providing Social and Emotional Support for Killip Elementary Students Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Coconino	Population: Elementary students at Killip Elementary School Project: Many students at Killip Elementary come from impoverished backgrounds. The school is currently understaffed in its ability to support the behavioral health needs of its students, which have increased as a result of the global pandemic. This project provides staffing and support for individual interventions for 50 at-risk students. Interventions will be held at school and led by trained social workers to help the students develop coping skills and thrive emotionally. Students will have individual or group weekly sessions for an average of 8 weeks.
Graham County Health Department Improving Youth Mental Health Access in Rural Arizona Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Graham	Population: 200 students ages 13-19 Project: Increase equitable access to mental health services for high school students in Bylas, Pima, Ft. Thomas, Stafford, Central, and Thatcher, the majority of whom are people of color. Through this pilot program, Graham County Health Department (GCHD) will provide scholarships for and connect students to private telehealth counseling sessions, online therapy groups, and psychoeducation in school. Students identified by school counselors/staff and with parent permission will be referred to a GCHD mental health coordinator who will complete a needs assessment and facilitate access to the online therapy program. Combining online therapy with scholarship, this program removes transportation, time, and cost barriers to mental healthcare for youth in need of support.
Ground Work Ground Work Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Low-income/uninsured children, including the birth to age 5 population, and families in need of mental health services Project: The early years are a critical time for brain development, attachment, and self-regulation skills. By offering direct mental health services at this stage of life to families who could not otherwise afford this care, the program will improve young children’s development, mental health, and important relationships. Program services include individual play therapy, child-parent psychotherapy, social skills groups, and parenting groups. Funding will help increase the existing program’s reach to an additional 30 families, plus provide a comprehensive training program for all therapists.
HealthCorps, Inc. Teens Make Health Happen Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Apache, Coconino, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, and Pinal The Sacaton-Gila River Indian Community The Pascua Pueblo Yaqui Reservation	Population: Middle and high school students (including tribal youth) at 12 school sites; community members attending health fairs (10,000 people total)/p> Project: Deliver the year-long Teens Make Health Happen (TMHH) program to schools, giving youth access to college-age mentors who engage students in activities related to mental resilience, nutrition, and physical activity. The program trains youth to lead school and community-wide activities, instilling a sense of agency and service and improving both mental and physical health. Activities include weekly club sessions, monthly health-promoting events, and annual health fairs. Funds will serve 10,000 people (students/families/mentors plus community members).
Hunkapi Programs Equine Therapy to Benefit First Responders with PTSD Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: First responders Project: First responders have a high incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses due to on-the-job exposure to traumatic events. This project expands access to an equine-assisted stress reduction therapy program for 36 additional active or retired first responders. Participants meet over six weeks in a group setting to improve mindfulness, reduce shame for seeking help, and increase stress resilience.
Hushabye Nursery Department of Child Safety Liaison Case Manager Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa, Pinal	Population: Expectant and new moms of babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Project: Provide mothers who have substance use disorder with a trauma-informed advocate to guide them through the Department of Child Safety (DCS) process. All babies admitted to Hushabye Nursery are DCS cases because they are substance exposed. The fear that baby will be taken away, while also dealing with postpartum stress and early sobriety, has a detrimental impact on mom’s mental health. Funding gives 210 new moms access to a DCS Liaison Case Manager who coordinates directly with DCS and helps ensure the home environment is safe, so baby and mom can stay together (vs. foster care). Together with medication assisted treatment and counseling, this support is critical to improving mental health of women suffering from SUD and mitigating adverse childhood experiences for the babies.
Institute for Mental Health Research Impact of COVID-19 on Alcohol Use and Mental Health during the Transition to College Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: A diverse mix of 700 students throughout Arizona who started college during the COVID-19 pandemic Project: Understand the short- and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol use and mental health among 700 students who started college during that time, a population at particularly high risk. Research data will inform prevention and intervention, including: learning how family and culture can reduce the impact of COVID-related stressors; helping develop programs to promote well-being; contributing to academic success, retention, and post-graduate economic success; and contributing insights to inform campus services, clinical interventions, policy, and further research.
Jessie Rees Foundation Mobile JoyFactory Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: 1,000 children up to age 19 fighting cancer Project: Deliver JoyJars to an additional 1,000 courageous kids living with cancer in Arizona to encourage them to keep fighting and never ever give up. This project also gives Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) team members the opportunity to collaborate in meaningful service. The Mobile JoyFactory will come to BCBSAZ and lead employees in a volunteer event creating JoyJars. Employees will benefit from engaging, bonding, and making a direct impact in the lives of children fighting cancer throughout Arizona.
Johns Hopkins University Promoting Protective Factors Among Apache Youth and Their Families Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Apache, Gila, Navajo	Population: 25 Apache girls and their female caregivers Project: Improve the health and well-being of Apache families by delivering an 11-session strengths-based program to 25 girls and their female caregivers. Called “Telling Our Daughters Our Story” (TODOS), the program aims to improve cultural identity, connectedness, and self-esteem, all linked to mental health outcomes. It also addresses substance use disorder (SUD), suicidal behaviors, and teen pregnancy among Apache youth. Funds will help provide Apache girls with the skills to complete school and secure long-term employment.
Mindfulness First Supporting Post-Pandemic Mental Health Wellness in K-12 Schools Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Coconino, Maricopa	Population: Teachers and students (K-12) in Title 1 schools Project: Address the mental health crisis among children and teens that has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mindfulness First trains educators in evidence-based mental health programming and provides them with resources to create a trauma-sensitive classroom and teach students skills for managing stress and navigating challenges. The focus of this project is on Title 1 schools where students are disproportionately affected by psychosocial stressors. Funding covers the full 16-week training and lifetime access to resources for 38 educators. With an average of 25 students per classroom, these teachers will impact 950 students in 2022-2023 and have the potential to reach 19,000 students throughout their career.
Mountain Park Health Center *The ACEs-ACT Program at Mountain Park Health Center’s Maryvale Clinic** Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 1,500 children/youth, 1,200 accompanying adults, 3,000 adults affected indirectly (total 5,700 served, many from low-income households) Project: Expand an existing prevention program for child abuse and neglect offered at the Mountain Park Health Center Maryvale Clinic to serve 5,700 individuals. The program conducts screenings during well child visits, provides parents with education on resilience building and protective factors, and offers counseling and treatment if adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) scores warrant. Funding will increase the number of program participants and providers, increase community awareness/engagement, and increase reimbursement for ACEs by state health plans. *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
National Kidney Foundation of Arizona Camp Kidney 2022 Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: Children ages 8-18 who have chronic kidney disease Project: Give kids and teens a respite from the stress of managing a chronic disease with a free camp experience. For a weekend, being sick takes a backseat to being a kid with activities like archery, zip lining, yoga, arts and crafts, and more. An onsite health center, staffed 24/7 by medical volunteers from Phoenix Children’s Hospital and local medical private practices, ensure that all campers are safe and receive any care they may need while at camp. Funding will give 150 children currently on dialysis or post-transplant the opportunity to go to Camp Kidney.
NATIVE HEALTH Nourish Your Spirit: NATIVE HEALTH Cultural Enrichment Program Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) individuals and families Project: Reconnect the urban AIAN population residing in Maricopa County to their ancestral source of well-being and balance, ultimately improving resiliency. Disconnection from their heritage and traditional forms of healing and support structures affects the mental health of many urban AIAN people. This community-based project creates cultural connection through 12 cultural enrichment classes and 12 traditional food demonstrations in addition to behavioral health resources. Funding will enable NATIVE HEALTH to offer 420 AIAN individuals an intergenerational support system and a holistic approach to health through this new program.
Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH) Healthy Heads for Youth Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: High school-aged youths who come from low-income and often un- or under-insured households Project: Suicide rates have been rising steadily since 2009 and have increased significantly since 2019 due to the pandemic. The Healthy Heads Suicide Awareness and Prevention Campaign will use social media and activate partner schools to reach students, including the 3,700 students who are existing NOAH patients. The program will quickly connect youth with behavioral health services via a 24/7 on-call counseling team. The program is expected to reduce mental health stigma, improve awareness of suicide risk factors, and promote ways to get help with NOAH.
notMYkid Teen Mental Health First Aid Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Apache, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal	Population: Arizona youth and teens ages 15-18 Project: Equip teens on the frontlines of the youth mental health crisis to respond safely and effectively to struggling peers. notMYkid offers the nationally recognized curriculum of Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) that teaches teens ages 15-18 how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers. Funding will enable notMYkid to build the next step of its [i]nspired Peer Support Program for teens, providing four cycles (three to six sessions each) of tMHFA to 120 youth.
Power Paws The Healing Process for Mental Health’s Challenges — Using Animal Assisted Interventions Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Coconino, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal	Population: Low-income, at-risk Arizonans ages seven to 65+ with mental health challenges Project: Dramatically increase access to animal-assisted therapy for victims of sexual and domestic abuse. Power Paws brings together mental health professionals and PTSD dogs to provide animal-assisted therapy, offer support, and advocate for victims of sexual or domestic abuse through the healing and legal process. Funding will enable the organization to hire another mental health professional and part-time dog trainer, doubling its service capacity from 3,000 to 6,000 clients annually.
Ryan House Parent Mental Health and Benefits of Respite Care – Sponsor-a-Stay Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Children ages birth to 18 of diverse backgrounds with health conditions deemed irreversible and terminal Project: The Sponsor-a-Stay program offers world-class respite care overnight stays for children with life-limiting or terminal illnesses to help relieve stress and improve quality of life for the entire family. Each child can receive up to 28 days of overnight stays at Ryan House per year. Though parents can join their children in the respite stay, they are encouraged to get a break from the stress of caring for their child 24/7 and focus on their own mental health. Funding will enable an additional 30 children to benefit from these respite stays free of charge.
San Miguel High School Social-Emotional Counseling Program Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Pima	Population: Low-income, primarily Latinx high school students Project: Mental health has become a prominent issue among high school students and has worsened with the pandemic. This project provides 350 students and 40 parents with free onsite access to mental health care in the form of 1:1 or group counseling, mentoring, yoga and meditation, speaker series, and support groups. Leveraging best practices in trauma-informed care, the program will help remove the stigma to seeking help, empower students to build resilience, and teach them ongoing coping skills.
Save the Family Foundation of Arizona Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling for Homeless and Impoverished Families Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling for Homeless and Impoverished Families Project: Ensure an additional 52 program participants have access to mental health and substance use disorder counseling to help address trauma and barriers to self-sufficiency. This project will leverage Outcomes StarTM Recovery StarTM to measurably improve mental health and addictive behavior. Families also will be supported in achieving long-term housing, financial stability, and improved well-being.
Saving Amy Empowerment Through Therapy Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Unsheltered families and veterans Project: Many unsheltered families experience trauma before or while homeless. Saving Amy’s six-year-old program provides trauma therapy for families leaving homeless shelters, so that they can develop coping mechanisms and decision-making skills in order to succeed in society and break the cycle of homelessness. This project funds transportation and therapy for 50 additional people.
Scottsdale Cultural Council dba Scottsdale Arts Memory Lounge Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Adults with mild to moderate dementia-related illnesses and their care partners Project: Memory Lounge seeks to improve the quality of life for older adults (65+) living with early to moderate stages of dementia-related illness, and their care partners. Their hands-on workshops foster social, mental, and physical wellness and are rooted in self-expression, creativity, and social interactions. Activities are led by professional teaching artists and include dance, visual art, theatre improv, painting, ceramics, and music. Funding will cover artist fees, supplies, and program delivery for 16 workshops and will serve 100 of the 250 adults the program serves annually.
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center Investigate a Mindfulness Intervention to Reduce Anxiety and Depression in Teens with ASD and Caregivers Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Statewide	Population: 40 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (a racially and economically diverse group) plus at least one caregiver for each Project: Conduct an eight-week preliminary study to assess the effectiveness of psychoeducational group meetings and mindfulness meditation among a racially and economically diverse group of teens with ASD. Data will be gathered to identify changes in adolescent and caregiver anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Findings will be shared with the scientific community and stakeholders, and results will be used to apply for a fully controlled trial.
Teen Lifeline Suicide Prevention and Outreach Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Maricopa, Pinal, Pima, Yuma	Population: 7,047 teens at risk for suicide, plus teachers and staff, at 27 high schools Project: Support Teen Lifeline’s efforts to deliver additional help and guidance to high schools that have received suicide prevention/intervention training (tied to the Mitch Warnock Act) but are not fully able to put the knowledge into practice. Funds will provide training, consultation, and ongoing support to 7,047 people at 27 schools to help teachers take action when they identify a student at risk for suicide. It will also increase student help-seeking behavior on campuses.
Terros, Inc. Terros Health and Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Collaboration Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 320 blind and visually impaired adults and seniors Project: Dedicate a specially trained case manager and community health worker to provide services on the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI) campus, with the goal of identifying unmet mental health and substance use issues among approximately 320 ACBVI clients. Funding will also support group services on health literacy, wellness education, nutrition, and caregiver support. Clients with health disparities and social determinant needs will be connected to relevant services for assistance with employment, housing, education, transportation, food security, and social engagement.
The Joy Bus More Than a Meal Campaign Collaboration Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 550 homebound adults and seniors who have cancer Project: Improve the lives of hundreds of cancer patients through good food and company. The Joy Bus provides a fresh, healthy meal delivered by volunteers at no cost. This campaign will enable the project to expand its meal delivery and wellness services from serving 100 cancer patients per week to 300 per week—plus, deliver an additional 2,500 prepackaged meals to 250 patients per week. The program will serve a total of 550 people per year.
The Zion Institute The Well Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Uninsured and underinsured Phoenix residents, with focus on South Phoenix Project: Expand access for low-income families in minority-majority neighborhoods to services for improved mental health and quality of life. The Well addresses the mental healthcare equity gap by providing a breadth of services, from counseling to psychiatric consults and case management, on a sliding fee scale. Clients also benefit from The Well resources that address the social determinants of health, including emergency rental assistance, food pantry, childcare, and workforce training. Funding will expand services to make quality, culturally-sensitive mental health services accessible to 100 additional people.
Tucson Medical Center Foundation Tucson Collaborative Community Care Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Pima	Population: 450 individuals and households who typically use 911 for routine medical care Project: Fund one year of salary for a behavioral health navigator (BHN) to assist frequent 911 callers while easing the burden on first responders and ERs as part of a collaboration between Tucson Medical Center and the Tucson Fire Department (plus 100 other agencies). The BHN will oversee screening for mental health issues for a targeted population of 450 and help Tucson Collaborative Community Care administer its Client Assistance Fund (also partially funded by this grant), which supports clients in real time.
Valley Leadership Impact Maker: Collaborating to Address Mental Health Issues Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Children, youth, families, adults, and those who are unsheltered Project: Advance the work of Valley Leadership’s Child Well-Being and Health Impact Maker Team in addressing root issues that impact mental health: adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), addiction among working adults, and poor housing and homelessness. Building on recent successes, funding will support the team in continuing long-term and upstream efforts including: Lead creation of an ACEs prevention-based agency to decrease the number of children interacting with Department of Child Safety (DCS), Engage employers in building a culture of support and service for workers struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), and Craft a robust and actionable quality of life plan for the Sunnyslope community that can be a template for other areas. This investment in system change has the potential to benefit generations of children and families to come.
Valleywise Health Foundation Youth Behavioral Health Enhancement Competitive MH RFP, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 550 youth and families/caregivers Project: Train 21 existing integrated behavioral health staff members in five evidence-based methods to increase provider knowledge, skills, and confidence in working with 550 youth and their families in the context of mental health. Modules provide training for staff addressing issues of depression, anxiety, trauma, ADD/ADHD, eating disorders, suicide, and more. It will also allow providers to appropriately support caregivers and serve more youth in need. Funding will cover fees and staff time.

Organizations and Project	Funding Purpose
Banner Health Foundation Family Centered – Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Care Program Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa, Pima, Pinal	Population: Pregnant and parenting women with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) Project: Reduce impact of mothers’ OUD and support better neurodevelopmental outcomes for their fetuses. Through the Family Centered – Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (FC-NAS) Care Program, the Banner Health NICU team provides: Early identification of and prenatal care for at-risk pregnancies with intrauterine drug exposure Addiction treatment professionals on the care team Stigma-free communication with mothers Access to private NICU rooms for the duration of the post-birth hospital stay Funding will enable the existing program to serve an additional 21 infants, 21 mothers, and 21 family members, with an anticipated impact of: 16 babies with NAS not needing morphine, a total reduction of 350 days of hospitalization for mothers and infants, and a cost savings of more than $2.1 million.
Community Bridges Positive, Restorative Operations Program for Students Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Gila	Population: High-risk youth with certain minor offenses and their parents/caregivers Project: Improve school attendance for high-risk youth, increase awareness of harmful effects of substance use, affect positive behavior change, provide support services for youth and their parents/caregivers, and provide direct treatment referrals and other support resources. Funding will enable the existing Positive, Restorative Operations Program for Students (PROPS) to expand into other communities in part by funding a prevention specialist to lead weekly youth peer support groups. This will help support positive change for an additional 198 youth. The prevention specialist will also lead outreach educating 5,000 Gila County residents about the benefits of the PROPS peer support program to increase participation and impact.
Elevate Phoenix Substance Abuse Prevention for Youth and Community Safety Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Youth grades 2-12 in nine schools in low-income, high-poverty neighborhoods Project: Prevent substance use for 4,000 at-risk youth through long-term relationships and support from teacher-mentors with similar backgrounds. This project will teach students how drug use limits their future, inspire them about their potential, and give them the tools they need to stay in school through graduation—then succeed in college and careers.
EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center  Building Resiliency in Youth Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Yavapai	Population: Youth aged 10-17 Project: Combat underage alcohol and drug use through a prevention program that brings together prevention education, early problem identification, and care referrals. The program uses the evidence-based curriculum, Too Good for Drugs, to educate and connect with youth in school-based settings and youth-serving organizations. Youth learn to make positive decisions, set goals, build self-respect, resist peer pressure, and understand the negative effects of alcohol and drug use. EMPACT expects to serve 200 youth through the program.
Florence Crittenton Services of Arizona The Seven Challenges^® Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 45 female youth struggling with substance use, co-occurring mental health issues, trauma, life skills deficits, and family issues Project: Empower a diverse community of female youth struggling with multiple challenges in a residential program to decrease drug use; improve overall mental health, relationships, and school performance; and increase awareness of personal and societal issues. The Seven Challenges® evidence-based counseling practice will be offered in all treatment settings to help clients identify and address a variety of problems in their lives. The program teaches the tools and provides the support that help raise consciousness, inspire hope, and motivate informed, internally driven, sincere decisions to change – ensuring success for participants.
Hope for Addiction, Inc. Freedom House Discretionary Cycle 1, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: At-risk single women, many of whom are also mothers Project: Provide a safe haven for women to rebuild their lives after domestic abuse, sexual abuse, addiction, mental health issues, or other traumatic circumstances. Each woman has a Freedom House Care Team that works with her to prepare a holistic program to meet her needs and, if a mom, those of her children. Services include counseling and support groups, parenting classes, mentorship, and support for legal issues. Funding expands services for 15 women.
Live & Learn Women Building Resiliency Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: 40 adult women in Maricopa County whose lives have been shaped by poverty and substance use disorder, and who are unemployed or underemployed Project: Help women facing complex barriers to recovery develop the tools they need to support sobriety and stability. This program will improve women’s well-being by coaching them through securing employment and accessing sobriety resources and healthcare services, plus helping them build the skills necessary to maintain their physical, mental, social, and financial well-being long after they complete the program. Providing support for these social determinants of health will help ensure that program participants can maintain stability, overcome the obstacles to sobriety, and sustain resiliency.
Maggie’s Place Sober Living Program Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Women with substance use disorder (SUD) and their children who are experiencing homelessness Project: Provide wrap-around support for moms with SUD who are experiencing homelessness to help them maintain sobriety, address the underlying conditions predisposing them to addiction, and obtain the tools needed to live independently and safely. The Sober Living Program’s dual approach of confronting underlying trauma and related post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in conjunction with offering communal housing provides a safe space and structure for addressing mental health and addiction issues. Funding will enable an additional 420 women and their children housed at Maggie’s Place to participate in this program, with access to trauma-informed counseling; family coaching; and supplies for maternity, infant care, and hygiene.
Mountain Recovery Alliance Freedom House Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Navajo	Population: 30 women recovering from addiction to drugs and alcohol, most of whom are Indigenous and needing shelter upon release from incarceration Project: Improve residents’ ability to maintain housing, remain sober, and stay on a path to long-term well-being. Freedom House is a safe, sober-living house for women. Residents pay $600 rent monthly for housing and food, and they are required to participate in daily recovery meetings, comply with all expectations of monitoring agencies – Department of Child Safety (DCS), probation, parole – and remain sober. Funding will enable the Alliance to purchase four iPads and two laptop computers that will support residents in meeting court, DCS, and treatment obligations more easily and inexpensively, plus search for jobs and other resources. It will also enable replacement of all 12 resident mattresses and bedding.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation Comprehensive Medication Safety Program Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Apache, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal	Population: Children ages 0-18, including those at risk of suicide, with prescription medications that present potential safety hazards Project: Provide an additional 600 patients and families resources to prevent injury and death due to intentional or unintentional medication misuse or overdose. The Comprehensive Medication Safety Program promotes safe medication storage to reduce abuse, misuse, and overdose. Physicians, nurses, and social workers at Phoenix Children’s will work together to identify patients with suicidal ideation. These children and their families will receive medication lock boxes, lock bags, and disposal pouches. To prevent misuse in the community, these protective devices will also be distributed at eight, off-site awareness events.
Skye’s the Limit Foundation Trauma-Informed Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Program Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Low-income Phoenix youth, primarily Latinx ages 13-24, who have experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences and are at higher risk of substance abuse Project: Provide a safe space for at-risk youth to cultivate mindfulness and self-expression, gain skills in navigating mental illness and substance use in their communities, and improve resilience and well-being. Skye's the Limit Foundation's Trauma-Informed Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Program is an after-school, culturally competent prevention program that enhances the mental health support available to youth at risk of turning to drugs and/or alcohol. Funding will enable the program to blend harm-reduction trainings offering proven substance abuse prevention methodologies with therapeutic arts, outdoor recreation, and public advocacy presentations to serve an additional 180 vulnerable youth and 400 adults.
The Barbell Saves Project Healing the Body to Save the Mind Discretionary Cycle 3, 2022 Counties: Maricopa	Population: Youth ages 12-17 experiencing or at risk of experiencing SUD Project: Reduce youth substance use disorder (SUD), mitigate the impact of adverse childhood experiences, and improve the health and well-being of youth experiencing or at risk for experiencing SUD by improving access to physical fitness. Barbell Saves is a peer-run program that supports the transition from SUD treatment to recovery by offering a free gym floor and providing daily community-based CrossFit classes. Gym access gives at-risk youth an opportunity to improve their physical and mental well-being while sustaining sobriety. Funding will enable this program to offer five weekly classes for over 300 unduplicated youth, with a goal of increasing overall health and resilience while decreasing substance use.
US VETS – Prescott Enhancing the Bridge between US VETS Programs and Clinical Departments Discretionary Cycle 2, 2022 Counties: Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, Yavapai	Population: Veterans who are experiencing homelessness and in need of behavioral health services Project: Support the successful transition from homelessness to housing by ensuring veterans receive needed behavioral health services. Through the liaison work of a veteran support specialist — a newly formed position — veterans will connect with behavioral health professionals who have veteran-specific expertise. The project is designed to fill gaps in care for veterans with chronic behavioral health conditions, co-occurring diagnosis, substance use disorder, chronic homelessness, and PTSD. Funding will support substance use disorder treatment services for 125 veterans, and wraparound support and case management services for 200.