Health First Foundation is asking for your support of our Better Together campaign kicking off November 29 on Giving Tuesday and running through the end of the year. All donations stay in northern Arizona advancing our annual grant program, which targets the top health priorities in the region — preventing and mitigating chronic diseases, providing greater access to care, and improving mental health and well-being. Health First grants have helped improve and save lives, reaching those most in need. Health First Foundation President and CEO Sandra Kowalski said Better Together offers a way for people to respond compassionately to neighbors in need. “We don’t just pass by when we see someone in need. We either rush over to help or call for emergency aid,” she said. “But often, a person’s need for help is not all that apparent, and people suffer privately. Health First Foundation is aware of these hidden needs for health and well-being among our people, and we’re asking you to help us fill those needs with a donation to the Better Together campaign.” According to County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a program of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, nearly a quarter of adults in northern Arizona report fair to poor health. Other reports show that many people, including those with insurance, can’t afford or delay health care because of cost. “We’re working to address these issues so people can live their best life for themselves, their families, and communities,” Kowalski said. Our Better Together campaign is for everyone to contribute at any level. So please share our campaign with your family and friends. Your involvement is critical to helping all people in our region reach their best possible health. Thank you for being so supportive. Mail donations to Health First Foundation, Better Together, PO Box 1832 Flagstaff AZ 86002 . Please make checks payable to Health First Foundation Northern Arizona.

Christian Welch would have benefitted from the Wildcat Extended Day Program at West Sedona Elementary School if it had been around when he was.

Health First Foundation has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (GuideStar) and a 90 “give with confidence” score from Charity Navigator, two places donors and grant-makers look for trusted charity assessments.

Health First Foundation is teaming up with the 2022 Sedona International Film Festival to present “Conservation Legacy: An Afternoon with Bruce Babbitt” Feb. 20 in Sedona. The former Arizona governor and U.S. Secretary of the Interior will be on hand for a screening and discussion of the Red Rock State Park documentary, a project produced by the Benefactors of Red Rock State Park and narrated by Babbitt. During his time as governor 1978-1987, Babbitt was instrumental in establishing the 286-acre nature preserve and environmental education center on the outskirts of Sedona. The Red Rock State Park film takes viewers through the area’s history from the Permian period through the emergence of its impressive red rock features. It discusses the park’s inhabitants and the preservation of the riparian habitat of Oak Creek. “Health First is happy to play this small role in promoting the conservation of public parks,” said president and CEO Sandra Kowalski. “Natural spaces like Red Rock State Park are environmental havens that have proven benefits to health and well-being. They inspire relaxation and recreation, helping us open our minds, calm our spirits, and renew our energy.” The Sedona International Film Festival runs Feb. 19-27. “Conservation Legacy: An Afternoon with Bruce Babbitt” takes place Sunday, Feb. 20, at 4 p.m. at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. Visit the Sedona International Film Festival for ticket information.

“This gift represents our support of Health First Foundation and the life-changing work your organization is doing to care for Arizonans in need."

Health First will match every dollar given, up to $50,000 in total donations, to benefit the Wildcat Extended Day Program at West Sedona School, a Title 1 elementary school that serves a high percentage of students from low-income families.

Our 2022 Northern Arizona Community Health Grant cycle is focused on addressing chronic health conditions.

Not having affordable, safe, or stable housing is dangerous to a person’s health. Those who experience homelessness have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general population. For these reasons, Health First Foundation is proud to support the Housing as Healthcare program run by Flagstaff Shelter Services with help from North Country HealthCare, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, and The Guidance Center in Flagstaff. A team of housing and health professionals works with each client to bring them to a healthier and more stable place in life. Kimberly Houston (pictured) is among more than 550 people already served by Housing as Healthcare. “I’ve never called a shelter ever in my life,” said Houston, a single woman who had been living in her car seeking haven under lighted parking lots as she searched for work in Flagstaff. “At that point, I was just scared and needed some help, and they just came to my rescue like you would not believe.” Permanent housing was especially critical for Houston because her chronic back and neck pain made it impossible to walk or even stand at times. She said having a safe place to call home improved her quality of life significantly. “In the same way you’d take a prescription to deal with a cold, we’re prescribing housing as a way to overcome an illness of any variety,” said Ross Altenbaugh, Executive Director of Flagstaff Shelter Services. “We put physical health, behavioral health, and housing on the same level to be able to address each one in a meaningful way.” Since its formation in 2019, Housing as Healthcare has documented improved physical and mental well-being in 60% of the people it has served. “The reality is that housing is in fact healthcare,” Altenbaugh said. “If we have neighbors in congregate shelters, you better believe that getting them into their own home not only benefits them greatly, but it also moves our humanity forward.” Health First Foundation donors enrich our communities by helping us raise the level of health and well-being in northern Arizona. Give today to support health in our region.