PHOENIX – The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) launched a social outreach campaign to help rebuild trust and strengthen its commitment to Arizona’s Tribal communities statewide. The campaign, which includes physical, digital, and social media messages that inform members of the warning signs of fraud and guides them to a list of AHCCCS-approved health resources, follows the agency’s year-long initiative to combat provider fraud that disproportionately impacted members of the American Indian Health Program (AIHP).
AHCCCS worked with Indian Health Services Leadership, the Arizona Advisory Council on American Indian Healthcare, and Native Health as well as representatives from several Tribes to design the campaign. Additional support was provided by the Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs.
“We understand that rebuilding confidence among Tribal communities will take time,” says AHCCCS Cabinet Executive Officer Carmen Heredia. “Through continued outreach and providing these valuable messages, we remain committed to protecting members and supporting those struggling with mental health or addiction. By connecting individuals with credible resources and trusted health programs, we are confident that they will receive the support they need.”
The “Know the Red Flags” campaign, which began running in AHCCCS social media channels in May and is now available for Tribal digital channels as well as in print, depicts warning signs that dishonest health providers might offer, as well as links to find trusted health providers.
The awareness campaign toolkit is available to all Tribal communities via the AHCCCS website.
“We look forward to continuing to work with our Tribal communities, their health leaders, and their communications teams to help spread these important messages,” said Heredia.
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction or mental health issues, call 1-844-534-HOPE (4673) or visit www.azahcccs.gov/tribalresources for a comprehensive list of AHCCCS-approved resources.
