Bringing Preventive Health Screenings Closer to Arizona Communities

 

AZ Blue Health Choice and Zeihan ProHealth train community health workers to help identify health concerns early and connect people to care. 

 

A simple health screening can uncover a concern before it becomes a crisis. But for many Arizonans, especially those who don’t regularly see a healthcare provider, those screenings can be difficult to access. 

 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice (AZ Blue Health Choice) and Zeihan ProHealth are working to change that. 

 

Through a partnership between the two organizations, about 40 community health workers across Arizona received hands-on training in biometric screenings, giving them new tools to identify potential health concerns and connect people to care. 

 

The trainings, held in Flagstaff and Phoenix, focused on screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and A1C levels. Participants learned how to conduct the screenings, understand the results, and help people determine when follow-up care may be needed. 

 

“Improving health starts in our communities,” said Heather Carter, CEO of AZ Blue Health Choice. “Community health workers often live and work in the communities they serve, building relationships and connecting people with health information, resources and care. This training is one example of our ongoing commitment to supporting community health workers across Arizona and making sure they have the tools and knowledge they need to help people get care sooner.” 

 

Among the participants were 15 community health workers from Helping Families in Need, a nonprofit organization that connects Arizona families to healthcare coverage, benefits and community resources. 

 

“The training has been extremely valuable for our team because it strengthens the work our community health workers are already doing in the communities we serve,” said Edny Gonzalez, co-executive director of Helping Families in Need. “Having additional training gives our team more tools, knowledge and confidence to help families navigate systems and connect to the services they need. Community health workers are trusted members of the communities they serve, helping bridge gaps to healthcare and other resources in a way that is personal, culturally responsive and accessible.” 

 

The impact goes beyond the individuals who completed the training. Each participant can now bring those skills into the communities they serve, creating more opportunities for Arizonans to learn about their health and identify potential concerns earlier. A screening that takes just a few minutes can flag elevated blood pressure, blood sugar or other health indicators that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

 

As part of its long-term commitment to improving community health, AZ Blue Health Choice continues to invest in expanding and supporting Arizona’s community health workforce. By equipping community health workers with ongoing training and practical tools, AZ Blue Health Choice and Zeihan ProHealth are helping more Arizonans identify health risks earlier and connect with care before a health concern becomes more serious.