Health and Wellness
Healthy Together: Advancing Health Equity in Cochise County
The Healthy Together Project will drive a grassroots health equity campaign tailored for African American and underserved communities in Cochise County, Arizona. This initiative will assess community health needs, provide targeted education and outreach, and improve access to preventative services. Our mission aligns directly with the NAACP Health Committee’s charge to promote, protect, and maintain the health of our communities.
The project focuses on four pillars:
1.Health Assessments (through surveys and listening sessions);
2.Health Education (monthly forums and social media campaigns);
3.Access to Care (partnering with providers for screenings and referrals);
4.Community Engagement (through events like health fairs and wellness challenges).
Key themes include:
chronic disease prevention, mental health, maternal health, healthy aging, and environmental health justice.
The initiative supports national NAACP priorities such as “health and well-being” while addressing local disparities and barriers.
Healthcare changes are coming.
Learn what they mean for you, your family, and our community.
Educate, Engage, and Empower
The Headwinds: Threats to Rural Hospital Stability
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Medicaid/AHCCCS funding reductions and rising uncompensated care.
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Medicare underpayments, workforce shortages, inflation, and increasing operating costs.
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Growing financial pressures that threaten access to rural healthcare services.
Strong Hospitals = Stronger Communities
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Stable hospitals support economic growth, jobs, emergency response, and quality of life.
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Local healthcare access is essential for families, businesses, and community resilience.
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Hospital viability directly impacts the health and prosperity of Cochise County.
Community Preparedness: Actions to Take Now
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Maintain Medicaid/AHCCCS eligibility and understand renewal requirements.
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Explore insurance options and enrollment assistance.
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Establish a primary care provider and prioritize preventive care and wellness visits.
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Learn about telehealth and prepare for possible service delays or limitations.
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Know available local healthcare and behavioral health resources.
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Encourage employers, community organizations, and elected officials to support long-term healthcare sustainability.
Call to Action
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How residents can stay informed and engaged.
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Ways community organizations, businesses, and policymakers can support rural healthcare.
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Advocacy opportunities that help ensure long-term healthcare access for Cochise County residents.
August Health Observances: Awareness → Action → Impact
Building Healthy Families • Healthy Communities • Healthy Futures
August is a time to prepare our families for a healthy school year while continuing to focus on prevention, wellness, and health equity. Through education and action, we can help ensure every member of our community has the opportunity to live a healthier life.
💉 National Immunization Awareness Month
Vaccinations remain one of the safest and most effective ways to protect individuals and communities from preventable diseases.
Actions You Can Take
• Review your family's vaccination records before school begins.
• Speak with your healthcare provider about recommended vaccines for children, adults, and older adults.
• Encourage family members to stay current on flu, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, and other recommended immunizations.
• Share reliable vaccine information from trusted healthcare sources.
🤱 National Breastfeeding Month
Breastfeeding supports the health of babies and mothers while strengthening families and communities.
Actions You Can Take
• Support breastfeeding parents at home, work, church, and in the community.
• Learn about local breastfeeding education and support resources.
• Encourage employers to provide breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.
• Promote understanding that breastfeeding is a public health investment.
❤️ National Wellness Month
Wellness includes caring for our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
Actions You Can Take
• Begin a daily walking or exercise routine.
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Schedule your annual wellness exam.
• Prioritize quality sleep and stress management.
• Stay hydrated during Arizona's summer heat.
👁️ National Eye Exam Month
Regular eye exams help detect vision problems and serious health conditions before symptoms appear.
Actions You Can Take
• Schedule comprehensive eye exams for adults and children.
• Wear sunglasses that block harmful UV rays.
• Manage diabetes and high blood pressure to protect your vision.
• Limit screen time and practice the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices.
💚 National Minority Donor Awareness Week. August 1–7, 2026
This observance raises awareness about the critical need for more organ, eye, and tissue donors from diverse communities.
Actions You Can Take
• Register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
• Discuss your donation wishes with your family.
• Learn how donation saves lives and improves health outcomes.
• Share accurate information to help dispel myths surrounding organ donation.
August Community Challenge
This month, commit to:
✓ Schedule one preventive health appointment.
✓ Learn about one health observance and share it with three people.
✓ Encourage someone to receive recommended preventive care.
✓ Check on the physical or mental well-being of a family member, friend, or neighbor.
Healthy Communities Begin With Healthy Choices. Together We Can Build a Stronger, Healthier Cochise County.