Cronkite News: Arizona news briefing

This conversation explores the critical role of health literacy — the ability to understand and use health information — with Natasha Burrell, manager of the health literacy program at ASU’s Learning Enterprise and Mia Armstrong-López, managing editor at ASU Media Enterprise. The discussion highlights mental health, the value of sharing personal experiences, and the systemic factors that contribut...

As the measles outbreak that began in rural Gaines County in West Texas quickly surpassed 300 cases, clinics saw a surge in patients and hospitalizations. Mennonite communities, which have a substantial presence in the region, continued to navigate vaccine decisions. The federal funding cuts and leadership rhetoric further complicated the public health response.

Lack of vision care in childhood has lifelong consequences. Many Arizona children struggle with vision problems that go undetected due to limited access to pediatric eye care, specifically among low-income families and those on public insurance. (Audio by Fatima Gabir/Cronkite News)

Arizonans are already feeling the impact of talks to cut Medicare and Medicaid funding – and it’s not because any actions have been made, but the uncertainty that looms. (Audio by Brian Petersheim Jr./Cronkite News)

In this episode, we discuss executive orders and their direct impact on health equity. Guest Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, emphasizes the crucial role of DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility) in strengthening public health systems. Humble stresses that state and local governments can push forward DEIA initiatives to improve health outcome...

In Arizona - a Medicaid expansion state and home to roughly 34,000 federal employees - President Donald Trump’s orders and actions are impacting the public health sector, affecting jobs, medical research, vaccines, public insurance and gender-affirming care. (Audio by Brian Petersheim Jr./Cronkite News)

We explore the state of hockey in Arizona, highlighting both its high school triumphs and the hopes for a returning NHL presence. (Audio by Mihir Sinhasan/Cronkite News)

Explore the context and history of diversity, equity, and inclusion with Velicia McMillan Humes, chief diversity officer for the city of Tempe. (Audio by Cheyla Daverman/Cronkite News)

Tribal members will be able to access some traditional healing practices through government-run insurance programs. Christine Holden (White Mountain Apache/Hopi) is the tribal liaison at Arizona’s Medicaid program, AHCCCS. Holden speaks about the significance of this initiative, which aims to integrate culturally appropriate traditional healing practices into the Western health-care system.

To expand on the topic of racial and ethnic categorization and how it impacts health data and medical research within Hispanic/Latino populations, we spoke with Sonia Vega-López, bilingual and bicultural researcher and a professor of Nutrition at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University.

Skateboarding offers significant mental health benefits, which can be especially helpful for those from backgrounds where mental health is stigmatized. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, and boosts overall well being by releasing neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. For many, it also provides a sense of belonging. (Audio by Lizeth Adriana Calderon/Cronkite News)

While white Arizonans register the highest cancer rates, Hispanic residents are more likely to die from cancer. Limited access to preventative care, health insurance, distrust of providers and cultural stigma is impacting cancer outcomes in Arizona’s Hispanic population.

Halloween is a fun, spooky holiday for many, but for those living with dementia, it can be frightening. Dementia affects thinking, memory and reasoning, and loud sounds, flashing lights and scary costumes can cause sensory overload, anxiety and fear. (Audio by Lizeth Adriana Calderon/Cronkite News)

In this inaugural episode, we thoroughly examine the effects of bed shortages for the seriously mentally ill on the families and community. Listen to our conversation with Josh Mozell, one of a few lawyers in the country with a mental health-care practice, and Tyra Street, whose son has schizophrenia.

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) distributed $2.5 million to four community health centers through the Whole Person Care Initiative for on-call maternity care services in rural communities. (Audio by Lizeth Adriana Calderon/Cronkite News)

Offered by the Consulate General of Mexico, the initiative provides screenings and services for blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and vaccinations.

Maternal mortality is a pressing issue in the U.S. and in Arizona, and mental health is a top contributor. Mothers and health-care authorities say women need better-quality care and accessibility. (Nicollette Valenzuela/Cronkite News)

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