Research shows that dementia disproportionately impacts people of color. According to a 2021 publication from the American Alzheimer’s Association, Black Americans are twice as likely, and Latino Americans are 1.5 times as likely, to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias than their Caucasian counterparts. Statistics show that Black, Latino and Native American populations are less likely to be diagnosed than Caucasians and are twice as likely to say they would not see a doctor if experiencing thinking or memory problems. These factors create disparities in care that lead to poorer health outcomes for people of color—an issue the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute has been working to address for over a decade.

The Substance Use Telehealth for Arizona Rural Communities (STARC) program is led by Maria Manriquez, MD (left), Krista LaBruzzo, MD, and a robust team.

Philanthropic gift helps combat the opioid crisis in rural Arizona

A generous $1 million investment by a local foundation in a pilot initiative anchored at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix provides renewed hope for combating the opioid crisis in rural Arizona communities. Led by Maria Manriquez, MD, Krista LaBruzzo, MD, and a robust team, the Substance Use Telehealth for Arizona Rural Communities (STARC) program affords Arizona’s rural communities access to comprehensive, remote health care for those struggling with substance use disorders or addiction as well as education for local health care providers.

With this grant funding, STARC’s addiction experts can provide regular consultation and treatment via telehealth—regardless of a patient’s location.

Banner hospitals in rural locations will serve as hubs where patients can receive virtual consults from STARC specialists as well as in-person care from our providers in their own community. The program aims to remove barriers to care and provide equitable, consistent medical education and consultation to rural providers, while reducing stigma around substance use disorders and formalizing effective treatment protocols.

Older adults boost their tech skills in Banner Olive Branch Senior Center’s new computer lab

Senior centers across the country, like the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City, AZ, are evolving to address overall wellness for older adults as the model for a senior center of the future is taking form. As part of that holistic package of services – in addition to the healthy, homemade meals provided for low-income seniors – Olive Branch recently opened the doors to a new computer lab.

“I was not confident using my computer until I took the computer class today at the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center,” says one enthusiastic computer lab user. “The instructor was great and the class was very helpful. I look forward to learning more things over time. This is such a great resource for seniors to learn about technology.”

Funded through a charitable grant from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health Supporting Maricopa County’s Aging and Older Adults Population, the computer lab is outfitted with eight ADA-accessible and flexible workstations with desktop computers, large monitors, the Microsoft Office suite of applications, and internet access, along with an instructor’s area with a podium, computer, and large screen.

Pictured left to right are Season Slish, Associate Manager of Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, George Koch, a computer lab user and Jackie Cromer, Business Support Assistant of Banner Olive Branch Senior Center.

Upcoming Activities & Announcements

Save the Date: Pulse of the City Soiree is Oct. 12

Our signature fundraising gala will be held at the Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia!

Community leaders, physicians, philanthropists, and Banner Health leaders will come together to support Banner’s youngest patients at our three Banner Children’s medical centers in Mesa, Glendale and Tucson. While supporting this worthy cause, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, mystery gift wall and raffle, networking, superb dining, and live music and dancing at the after party—all in the spirit of ensuring a bright future for Arizona’s children facing illness or injury.

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details.

AMR spreads holiday cheer with “Lights of Love”

Banner Children’s medical centers and American Medical Response teamed up to bring “Lights of Love” to our youngest patients and their families during the holidays.

A team of first responders, community partners and members of the community illuminated the hospital surroundings with a light show.

Thanks, AMR, for providing comfort and support to the children and families as they faced a challenging holiday season!

FORE! Tee up for Banner Children’s Open 2024

Sponsorships and foursomes are now available for the Banner Children’s Open on Friday, April 12, 2024 at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Wildfire Golf Club. Proceeds benefit programs at our three Banner Children’s facilities in Arizona. Register now before the tournament sells out! View the sponsorship packet by visiting the link below.