Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care

The Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care (AACIHC) is pleased to share an upcoming event:
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 8am to 4pm (MST)
Location: NAU High Country Conference Center, 201 W Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Topics and sessions will include:
- Health Insurance Access & Community Impact Panel Discussion
- Health Insurance & Tribal Health System 101
- Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace breakout sessions

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/kA3BVLaWym

https://conta.cc/4nHmh5n

Navigating Health Insurance for American Indian/Alaska Natives in Arizona Email from AACIHC Upcoming Event     UPCOMING EVENT Navigating Health Insurance for American Indians/Alaska Natives in Arizona The Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care (AACIHC) is pleased to

Yesterday, Tuesday May 5th was the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Women and Relatives (MMIWR) Day. A day to honor and remember those who are missing or those taken too soon. Wearing red today raises awareness of MMIWR but also signifies the importance of calling for action, change, and healing for Indigenous communities.

AIH-AHEC stands in remembrance and solidarity with families and communities.

AIH-AHEC Scholar Spotlight

Alexandra McLafferty, PT, DPT

Alex earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University and holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Art History. Currently, Alex is a pediatric physical therapist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Department, where she treats children with developmental and pelvic floor conditions. Her clinical interests include pediatric pelvic health, chronic pain, neurodevelopment, and family-centered care, with a focus on supporting children and families with complex needs.

How did you hear about AIH-AHEC?
“I first learned about AIH-AHEC through an email from a program administer - an opportunity that could have easily been overlooked. I later realized many students were interested in AHEC but had not seen or recognized the opportunity, highlighting the need to increase awareness of these programs.”

How was your involvement with AIH-AHEC (2023-2025)?
“I participated in the AIH-AHEC Scholars Program (2023-2025), where I worked on interdisciplinary, community-based projects in rural and Tribal communities, including the Tohono O’odham and Hopi Nations. I contributed to a community assessment of the Tohono O’odham Nation and participated in cultural competency training, including Understanding Historical Trauma and Its Impact on Tribes.

My work included healthcare career outreach, interactive learning events for local youth, and a sports injury prevention workshop for Hopi high school coaches. I also contributed to the Pathways to Health Professions digital guidebook to support Indigenous students pursuing healthcare careers.

In February 2026, I presented my poster at APTA CSM, “Shaping Tomorrow’s Physical Therapists: The Power of Rural Immersion Through AHEC,” emphasizing the need for more PT students to participate in AHEC programs to strengthen the profession’s role in rural and Tribal healthcare.”

What you enjoyed most about AIH-AHEC?
“What I valued most was working alongside an incredible interdisciplinary group of healthcare students while engaging directly with communities. I especially appreciated being part of work that helped community members see themselves in healthcare roles and supported pathways for individuals to return and serve their own communities in meaningful, lasting ways.”

Upcoming Medicaid insurance training is on the way! Click here to register: https://shorturl.at/ip69Y

As part of National AHEC Week, take a look at our Community Partner Spotlight!

As part of National AHEC Week, take a look at our AIH-AHEC program

On behalf of the Indian Child Welfare Association (ICWA), we would like to extend an invite for the series "Language is Life and Culture: Restoring, Reviving, and Preserving Native Language" webinar. The event will take place on April 15, 12 Noon-1:30pm.

Click here to register https://shorturl.at/EoKWG

Last week, on Tuesday March 3 & Wednesday March 4, AACIHC, in collaboration with the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA), hosted a FREE in-person training for Doula programs new to Medicaid.

On Tuesday March 3 & Wednesday March 4, 2026, AACIHC, in collaboration with the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, will be hosting a FREE in-person training for Doula programs new to Medicaid.

Use the link to register https://shorturl.at/EHwUI

Researchers from the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University, along with Native community partners, are inviting Native women to take part in participating to provide crucial insights into Native women’s health, particularly in relation to HPV and cervical cancer within urban Native American communities. Participants will complete short health questionnaires and provide self-collected samples over a two-year period, helping build knowledge to protect future generations.

Each visit includes a $25 gift card, and participation is completely voluntary and confidential.

More details and sign-up information can be found at: https://www.nativeshine.org/

Join us for our upcoming Informational Series: Arizona Legislative Process 101

Learn how a bill becomes law in Arizona and how to effectively use the Request to Speak (RTS) system to engage in the legislative process.

Monday, February 23
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Hybrid (In-person & Virtual options available)
Space for in-person attendance is limited. Please indicate your attendance preference when registering.

https://conta.cc/4cEf81T

Upcoming Event: Arizona Legislative Process 101 (Hybrid) Email from AACIHC     Arizona Legislative Process 101 Informational Session Monday, February 23. 2026 Greetings, The Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care (AACIHC) invites you to attend: Ari