Help CHER make a difference

The quality of our health is crucial to how well we learn, our enjoyment of life, and our power to find and keep a good job. Unfortunately, health disparities in northern Arizona are significant, and are related to the region’s rural nature, poverty, and limited access to health and social services.

• 91% of residents live in rural medically underserved areas
• More than half of our families live at or below 200% of the poverty level
• We also have a rich, diverse population that we need to serve
• At least 36% of the population is either Hispanic, American Indian, or non-Hispanic black; 11 tribal nations are located in our region of the state

Your donation matters

Efforts to close the gaps have gotten more attention as higher rates of infant mortality, lower life expectancy, and higher rates of chronic disease for minority and rural populations have become widely recognized. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these disparities have become even more apparent, with devastating results for tribal, rural, and other marginalized communities and populations. Finding solutions will involve new ways of engaging researchers, healthcare providers, and communities in research which is culturally relevant and respectful, and which provides solid information on which to base conclusions and actions. Training and educating the healthcare and health research workforce in our region is also crucial.