“We feel so privileged to be the recipients of this generous donation from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona,” said CHC Practice Manager, Anthony Gobe. “We have an important obligation to the community to make sure our youth is cared for, and these contributions from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan will allow us to offer even more elevated care.”
The donation, which was secured by the NAH Office of Philanthropy, will be used for several programs at CHC.
A portion will be used to purchase an anti-gravity treadmill for CHC’s children’s gym. NASA designed the treadmill for use in space and then re-engineered it for use on Earth due to its immense benefits. The equipment:
- Can reduce patient’s body weight to a specific percentage, lessening the impact on joints during functional activities such as walking, running, squatting and lunging.
- Can be instrumental in allowing those returning from surgery to improve their strength and endurance without causing more harm.
- Is an amazing intervention for balance and function for any individual with balance abnormalities.
Another portion of the donation is being used for a Philips EPIQ CVx Ultrasound System 1 echocardiogram system. CHC cares for a consistent number of pediatric cardiology patients each month, this system will provide state-of-the-art cardiac imaging close to home, reducing barriers to care and ensuring that children receive the prompt and accurate diagnoses they deserve.
An echocardiogram:
- Is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart.
- It allows physicians to assess the heart’s structure and function, including how blood flows through the chambers and valves. This information is essential for diagnosing congenital heart defects, detecting abnormalities, and guiding treatment decisions for both pediatric and adult patients.
The last portion of the donation will go toward Safe Child Center. At the Safe Child Center NAH assists children who are trauma victims by providing intervention services in a child-sensitive environment that promotes comfort, communication and healing.
“This donation wouldn’t have been possible without the diligent efforts of our team and NAH’s Office of Philanthropy, of which we are so thankful for. CHC is important to so many members of our community and we know that there will be many pediatric patients benefiting from these new additions,” Gobe added.
“Ensuring children with special health care needs have access to the essential care and equipment they need enables a healthier future,” said Jean Kalbacher, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona. “Supporting Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Children’s Health Center allows us to bring innovative solutions that improve pediatric health outcomes to communities across northern Arizona.”
The wheelchair-accessible CHC is located at 5130 N. Highway 89 in Flagstaff, and offers general pediatric wellness and specialty services, such as physical, speech and occupational therapy to children throughout the region. The CHC team, which includes dedicated specialty health care providers, is committed to providing one-on-one care for children. The pediatric outpatient programs include detailed evaluations, treatment and medical rehabilitation. The comprehensive services include:
- Safe Child Center to protect children and families.
- Audiology services designed for children.
- Nutrition specialists
- Social workers
The CHC at NAH serves multiple counties, including Coconino, Navajo, Apache, Yavapai and Mohave. To learn more about the services offered at the CHC, please call 928-773-2054, or visit https://www.nahealth.com/childrens-health-center/contact-childrens-health-center/.
For over four decades, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona has worked with state partners, providers and community groups to help expand access to care and improve health outcomes for Arizonans. In total, the health plan serves more than 450,000 members in Arizona’s Medicaid, Arizona Long Term Care System Elderly/Physical Disability and Division of Developmental Disabilities programs. Additionally, the health plan has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) with the Health Plan Accreditation, Health Equity Accreditation, Long-Term Services and Supports Distinction. Through NCQA’s 2024 Health Plan Ratings, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona achieved a 4-star rating, placing as the top-rated Medicaid health maintenance organization (HMO) in the state.