American Heart Association and Banner – University Family Care join forces to advance education and awareness of heart disease in Southern Arizona $333,000 per year for a three-year commitment will improve overall health and save lives
Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 24, 2023 — Today, the American Heart Association (AHA), the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, announced a new three-year collaboration with Banner – University Family Care to improve the health of Arizona residents and deconstruct barriers to equitable health in our communities.
Together, the American Heart Association and Banner – University Family Care will work to create collective, transformational change inspired by engaging local businesses, their employees, the community and youth in year-round initiatives that will help improve their physical health and emotional well-being.
This investment is being made over the next three years as AHA approaches its centennial anniversary in 2024.
“The collaboration between the American Heart Association and Banner – University Family Care, two organizations committed to providing resources to help people live longer, healthier lives, will make a tremendous statewide impact,” said Sarah Frost, CEO of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South, who also serves on the board of the American Heart Association of Southern Arizona.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States and about 2,150 Americans die each day from it. Stroke, the No. 5 killer in the U.S. and a leading cause of severe disability, claims the lives of nearly 219,000 each year.
“Collaborating with the AHA Southern Arizona helps us fulfill our responsibility of supporting those in our community, and there’s no better time to announce this collaboration than now after the recent global pandemic,” said James Stringham, VP and CEO of Banner – University Family Care. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and for many diseases such as heart failure, the prevalence is only increasing. As we remain dedicated to our mission to address unmet needs in diseases, it remains a top priority to elevate attention of heart disease, and we look forward to continuing to work together with the AHA to advance their goals and initiatives.”
Within the collaboration, Banner – University Family Care will provide community reinvestment funding and support for several campaigns and initiatives led by AHA Southern Arizona. They will include:
- Live Fierce: Live Fierce is the American Heart Association's bold approach to driving equitable health impact in the communities we serve. The Live Fierce campaign invites our supporters to come alongside us in meaningful ways that will positively affect the landscape of heart disease and stroke. It’s our unifying campaign that that brings together all our work and provides multiple engagement opportunities aligned with community needs and our mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
- Stocking Healthy Pantries: 1 in 10 people in America are not getting enough food or nutrients they need. COVID-19 has amplified this need by making it harder for many to afford or access healthy food. This effort will help people in our community identify healthy food staples to donate and equip food banks with heart healthy education and promotion materials to support heart healthy choices.
- Embrace-a-Clinic: High blood pressure continues to be a serious concern and is one of the American Heart Association’s priority issues in driving equitable health impact in the community. Over 100 million Americans – nearly ½ of all adults – are living with high blood pressure. Many of these individuals come to clinics regularly for check-ups and monitoring, but under current conditions many of these patients' blood pressure is going unchecked. This issue-focused sponsorship will ensure clinics have the equipment and resources available for patients to monitor their blood pressure at home.
- Community Conversations: Many people within our communities are searching for information around key health issues including nutrition security. Through community conversation, the American Heart Association convenes regional and local experts to provide the most up-to-date and critical information to help meet the need of the community.
- Go Red for Women: Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement to increase women’s heart health awareness and to improve the lives of women globally. Through Go Red for Women, we are working in communities around the world, so women not only understand their greatest health threat but take action to lower their risk. We invest in research to find cures specifically tailored for women.
- Heart Walk: Through our annual Heart Walk, friends, families, coworkers and neighbors walk together to demonstrate their commitment to their health and to honor or remember loved ones with heart disease or stroke. We are working in thousands of businesses to improve health in the (currently virtual) workplace, and we’re connecting with under-resourced communities to improve the quality of life for everyone.
“We are grateful to be expanding our efforts with Banner-University Family Care through this collaborative effort,” said McKensie Garza, Executive Director of the AHA Southern Arizona. “Heart disease affects so many people across the country, and Banner-University Family Care’s support allows us to expand our outreach to those impacted by heart disease in our local communities and ensure equitable access to resources for all.”
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Banner Health Plans
Banner Health Plans (BHP) is a locally owned health plan and is a recognized Medicaid managed care leader. Launched in 1985, BHP began as a Medicaid contractor and has expanded operations to include Medicaid, Medicare, and integrated behavioral health (BH) services across Arizona. BHP owns and operates: Banner – University Family Care/ACC, Banner - University Family Care/ALTCS, and Banner Medicare Advantage and includes more than 340,000 lives in Arizona. Committed to serving vulnerable populations, BHP is the only Arizona plan that holds membership in the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, a national trade association for nonprofit Safety Net Health Plans that are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of lower income people and/or people with significant health needs. Parent company, Banner Health, is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the country, with operations in six states.
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