Photo courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
For more than 85 years, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) has been woven into the fabric of the state, quietly, consistently and intentionally supporting the health of individuals, families and employers across all 15 counties. What began as a local nonprofit health insurer has evolved into a statewide force for community well-being, driven by the belief that health is shaped not only by what happens in a doctor’s office but also by the conditions in which people live, learn, work and grow.
With nearly 3,000 employees living and working in Arizona, AZ Blue has long understood that its responsibility extends beyond providing coverage. As the state has grown, so have the needs of the people who call it home. Access to care, food security, housing stability, maternal health, mental health and the broader social factors that influence well-being have become central to the organization’s mission.
“Every day, we see how much a person’s health is influenced by what happens outside of a doctor’s office,” says Paul Penzone, chief community relations officer at AZ Blue. “We work alongside community partners across Arizona to help connect members and families with care, resources and support that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
That philosophy guides AZ Blue in Action, the organization’s comprehensive community impact strategy, which brings together the work of AZ Blue, AZ Blue Health Choice and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement. Through this unified approach, AZ Blue invests in programs and partnerships that address mental health, substance use disorder, chronic conditions, health equity, food access, housing stability, maternal health, Tribal health and other critical needs.
Launched in 2022, the AZ Blue Foundation serves as the organization’s charitable arm, funding applied research, community programs and nonprofit partners working to improve health outcomes. As a 501(c)(3) private, nonoperating foundation, it focuses on four key areas: chronic health conditions, mental health, substance use disorder and health equity. Its investments strengthen organizations that are expanding services, scaling impact and addressing some of Arizona’s most pressing health challenges.
The results are visible across the state. In 2025 alone, AZ Blue invested more than $6 million in 220 nonprofit partners, supporting behavioral health programs, maternal health initiatives, food distribution efforts, heat relief services, Tribal community support and access-to-care programs reaching thousands of Arizonans.
The impact is often deeply personal. With a $25,000 investment from AZ Blue Health Choice, Local First Arizona expanded its Mesa community kitchen model, ensuring families had reliable access to nutritious food. “AZ Blue Health Choice funding has changed our food access program,” says Lisa Castrichini, manager of Healthy Food Initiatives. “On a good day, we would get five dozen eggs. Now, we are able to make sure every household receives eggs, milk and lean protein.”
Maternal health organizations have also felt the ripple effect of AZ Blue’s commitment. A $100,000 grant to 4th Trimester Arizona is helping train and support more community-based doulas serving families during pregnancy, birth and postpartum recovery. “This AZ Blue Foundation funding will change the landscape of access to doula care for families in Arizona,” says Dr. Jennie Bever, CEO of 4th Trimester Arizona. “It allows us to expand and strengthen Arizona’s maternal health workforce by removing barriers for doulas who reflect and serve communities with the greatest need.”
AZ Blue’s community impact is equally evident in schools. At Agua Fria High School, a golf coach received new clubs, equipment and gear to expand opportunities for student-athletes. “The support from AZ Blue means more than just new equipment. It’s an investment in our students and their future,” says Coach Bradley Paulson. “It sends a powerful message that our students are valued and supported by their community.”
Volunteerism is another cornerstone of AZ Blue’s approach. Through the Blue Gives Back program, employees receive eight hours of paid volunteer time each year. In 2025, they contributed more than 14,000 hours to causes ranging from literacy initiatives and food distribution to youth development.
One volunteer reflected on the impact of building AZ (Little) Blue Libraries for children: “A book may seem like a small gift, but it can make a big difference,” says AZ Blue employee Lisa Inglis. “I’m glad to be part of an effort that helps children discover new stories and new possibilities.”
Whether delivering 77,000 bottles of water to Tribal communities, providing meals and health screenings to individuals experiencing homelessness or supporting scholarships for future healthcare workers, AZ Blue’s work demonstrates a simple truth: Health is community, and community is health. For AZ Blue, investing in Arizona’s well-being isn’t an initiative; it’s an identity.
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as a strategic CSR consultant for Omnicom.
Did You Know: AZ Blue in Action: A Statewide Approach to Community Health
Community organizations interested in partnering with AZ Blue or applying for grant funding through the AZ Blue Foundation can explore current opportunities at www.azbluefoundation.org.
Individuals looking to support AZ Blue’s volunteer‑driven initiatives can connect with local nonprofits featured in AZ Blue in Action to join community projects across the state.
