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13 January 2020

Mental health in Arizona highlighted during State of the State address

AzHHA applauds Governor Doug Ducey for shining the light on mental health and reducing stigma

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release │ January 13, 2020
Media Contact: Holly Ward │602-445-4327 │[email protected]


PHOENIX — The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association applauds Arizona Governor Doug Ducey in his acknowledgement of mental health. During Governor Ducey’s 2020 State of the State address Monday, mental healthcare became more than a simple talking point as the Governor announced Arizona’s lead in improving access to mental healthcare services.

“We feel Arizonans’ access to mental health is a major health care priority which is all too often overlooked. We commend the Governor for his leadership on this critical issue and look forward to learning more about proposed changes in state law he intends to pursue in the coming days,” said AzHHA President and CEO Ann-Marie Alameddin.

“We applaud the governor for his action helping to reduce the stigma of this often over-looked health care priority,” said Alameddin.

AzHHA’s Twitter account, @azhospitalassn, posted the following facts during today’s State of the State Address:

  • More than 2.8 million Arizonans live in an area without a sufficient number of mental
    healthcare providers.
  • Approximately 1 in 3 Arizonans lives in a mental healthcare provider shortage area.
  • Arizona ranks 48th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia in the percent of mental
    healthcare provider need met.

Source: kff.org

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About the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
Now in its 80th year, AzHHA is the association giving Arizona hospitals a voice to collectively build better healthcare and health for Arizonans. As the champion for healthcare leadership in Arizona, AzHHA and its member hospitals explore ideas and take collaborative action at the state capitol, in hospitals and at home to attain the best healthcare outcomes for Arizonans. Through Better Care, Better Health, and Lower Costs, we will make Arizona the Healthiest State in the Nation. Visit https://www.azhha.org for more information.