How AZ Blue Health Choice Brings Preventive Health Screenings Closer to Arizona Communities
AZ Blue Health Choice Supports Community Health Worker Training Across Arizona
A blood pressure check can take only a few minutes, but it may uncover a health concern before it becomes more serious.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice (AZ Blue Health Choice) and Zeihan ProHealth are helping bring preventive health screenings into Arizona communities. As part of its long-term commitment to invest in expanding and supporting Arizona’s community health workforce. Through this partnership, about 40 Community Health Workers (CHW) received hands-on training in Phoenix and Flagstaff.
Key takeaways:
- AZ Blue Health Choice continues to invest in Arizona's community health workforce through partnerships that support training and preventive care.
- About 40 CHWs completed the training.
- Participants learned to screen for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and A1C levels.
What did Community Health Workers learn?
The training combined classroom instruction with hands-on practice. Participants learned how to conduct biometric screenings, discuss the results, and help people determine when follow-up care may be needed.
A screening does not provide a diagnosis, but it can identify a possible health risk. An elevated blood pressure or blood sugar reading may encourage someone to schedule an appointment before the issue becomes more serious.
“Improving health starts in our communities,” said Heather Carter, CEO of AZ Blue Health Choice. “Community Health Workers are trusted local resources for people who may not regularly access healthcare. By equipping them with the skills to conduct screenings, we’re creating more opportunities to identify health concerns earlier and help people get the care and support they need.”
Why are CHWs important?
Community Health Workers often live in or have close ties to the areas they serve. They meet people at schools, community events, partner organizations, and in their neighborhoods.
They can help families overcome barriers such as:
- Confusing healthcare and benefit systems
- Language differences
- Limited transportation
- Uncertainty about where to find help
“Community Health Workers are trusted members of the communities they serve,” said Edny Gonzalez, co-executive director of Helping Families in Need. “CHWs can help bridge that gap in a way that is personal, culturally responsive and accessible.”
Helping Families in Need builds on its community work
Helping Families in Need had 15 CHWs participate in the training.
The organization already helps families navigate AHCCCS, KidsCare, SNAP, and Marketplace health coverage. Its CHWs also connect people with healthcare providers and other local resources.
“Having additional training gives our team more tools, knowledge, and confidence to help families navigate those systems and connect them to the services they need,” Gonzalez said.
Each trained worker can now bring preventive screenings into the communities they serve. This creates more opportunities for Arizonans to learn about their health, identify possible risks, and connect with care.
Through its partnership with Zeihan ProHealth, AZ Blue Health Choice is investing in trusted CHWs who make preventive care easier to access and understand.
To learn more about how AZ Blue Health Choice supports healthier communities, visit AZ Blue in Action.