AZ Blue Foundation Helps Deliver 77,000 Bottles of Water to Tribal Communities Across Arizona

Heat-relief initiative helps Tribal Nations protect elders, families and vulnerable residents during Arizona's hottest months

As another Arizona summer pushes temperatures into the triple digits, thousands of Tribal residents across the state are receiving something simple but essential: water.

This summer, 77,000 bottles of water are reaching Tribal communities across Arizona, helping families stay hydrated and safe during one of the state's most dangerous seasons.

Supported by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation (AZ Blue Foundation), the effort is part of a larger initiative to help Tribal Nations respond to extreme heat and protect residents most vulnerable to heat-related illness.

For many communities, especially those in rural and remote areas, extreme heat is more than an inconvenience. It can disrupt daily life, threaten health and create serious challenges for elders, families, and people living with chronic health conditions.

"Arizona's extreme heat can affect every aspect of daily life, especially for communities with limited resources," said Paul Penzone, Chief Community Relations Officer at AZ Blue. "Something as simple as a bottle of water can make a meaningful difference when temperatures reach dangerous levels. We're proud to support Tribal communities and the local leaders working every day to keep their neighbors safe."

A Community Response to Extreme Heat

While water is often the most immediate need, the effort extends far beyond hydration.

In the last year, the AZ Blue Foundation has provided more than $25,000 to help Tribal communities strengthen their response to extreme heat and meet urgent local needs. 

Working through the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA), the AZ Blue Foundation provided funding to support Tribal-led heat-relief efforts across the state. The Arizona Tribal Executive Committee (AzTEC) led the identification of community priorities and coordinated resources where they can make the greatest difference.

Funding supported cooling supplies, cooling center operations, transportation assistance, wellness outreach and other emergency services designed to help residents stay safe during dangerous temperatures. 

The support allowed communities to respond quickly when temperatures soared, helping local leaders address immediate needs while strengthening longer-term heat-response efforts. Many communities focused resources on elders, individuals with chronic health conditions and others who face a greater risk of heat-related illness. 

For Tribal leaders, the funding helped fill critical gaps during the hottest months of the year. 

"I see every day how extreme heat affects our elders, families and community responders," said Maria Dadgar, executive director of the ITCA. "This funding helps us respond faster, support those most at risk and strengthen our emergency efforts during the hottest months. It shows that our Tribal Nations are seen and that our needs matter."

Supporting Tribal communities is an important part of AZ Blue’s commitment to improving health across Arizona. AZ Blue works alongside Tribal leaders and communities throughout the state – including through its Medicaid team, AZ Blue Health Choice – to help connect people with care, resources and support close to home.

To learn more about this work, visit AZ Blue in Action.