Only a few years ago, the big issue regarding healthcare was how much responsibility an employer should or could take for his or her employees. Insofar as its economic impact registered, the focus was on small-business owners. The current pandemic has pushed healthcare issues into broader debate: impact on and responsibility of the individual; impact on and responsibility of … [More]
Pandemic Emphasizes Importance of Employee Wellness Programs
Employers know that healthy employees are a company’s best ambassadors in the community. Whether a business is large or small, a strong employee wellness and safety program is paramount to a productive work force. At Abrazo Health, we’ve always had a comprehensive benefits program that supported employee wellness, and have offered resources for crisis support for individuals … [More]
Testing Is Part of the Plan
As today’s environment continues to suffer a shifting landscape regarding COVID-19, there are actions, policies and programs employers can implement to address the needs of their employees — starting with a safety plan to minimize risk of contracting the disease. An effective COVID-19 safety plan addresses three things: physical environment, employee testing and access to … [More]
For Health, Wellness and Safety, Communication Is Key
As employers work to reopen or ramp up their operations, they face the challenge of creating a work environment that helps to prevent new outbreaks while working to support employees impacted by COVID-19. A recent Cigna study found that one in seven COVID patients who were hospitalized have still not been able to return to work two months later — meaning that employers need to … [More]
Local Groups Establish Public-Private Partnership to Help Phoenix’s Latino Communities Fight COVID-19
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it quickly became apparent that underserved, vulnerable communities would be hit the hardest and suffer the most. Unfortunately, the pandemic’s rapid sweep across Phoenix’s Latino community has confirmed this grim reality — and it’s been the same for most communities comprised of people of color across the nation. For example, data … [More]
Fundamental Changes Will Last Beyond COVID-19
COVID-19 fundamentally and overnight changed how employers have to address the health, wellness and safety of their employees. Employees are their greatest resource, and in an instant their safety was immediately in question — and not just physically, but mentally too. Businesses need three distinct programs in place to protect their employees while also instilling confidence … [More]
Promote Mental Health
Promoting mental health during this time of chaos is beneficial for the employer, the employees and the overall community. Employers should encourage their employees to practice a few mental health tips. Stick to a routine. Get up at the same time and shower before starting the day. Get outside. Exercise regularly and go for a walk outside between meetings. Vitamin D is … [More]
Employers Take a Fresh Look at the Workplace
As businesses return to normal operations, they should consider various changes, including the implementation of policies to uphold physical distancing — such as limiting gatherings and visitors and scheduling meetings via phone or video. Where feasible, structural changes can include temporarily closing communal spaces, repositioning work stations and adding signage to … [More]
Healthcare Trends Have Broad Scope
In recent years, employers have been restructuring their employee benefit packages to adjust to the changing needs of their workforce. More specifically, employers have been taking a more holistic approach that focuses on employees’ overall health and wellness. While standard healthcare plans remain a priority, we will see an expansion of preventive services in those plans. … [More]
Leadership & Achievement: Honoring Our Women Leaders
In spite of the fact that study after study concludes that businesses with women in the C-suites do better than those without, we are still on the road to universal parity. And in spite of proven achievement, women are, in many ways, still pioneering. Toward an end when, someday, women will not be singled out as a separate population, In Business Magazine celebrates the success … [More]
Sharon Harper
"Plaza Companies is a connecting influence in business, civic leadership and philanthropy while always working honorably and with integrity."As CEO, chairman and co-founder of Plaza Companies, Sharon Harper oversees all facets of company operations, including ownership, development, leasing or management of nearly 13 million square feet of Arizona projects, medical healthcare … [More]
Laura Capello
"If I can do it, anyone can do it. Just believe in yourself and never stop learning."Growing up, I was always fascinated with animals and spent hours watching “Wild Kingdom.” My dream was that someday I would be able work with animals myself. I even filled several spiral notebooks with notes from everything I learned. My best thoughts came out when I wrote them down. I really … [More]
Cara M. Christ, M.D.
"I hope passionate individuals see opportunity in public service — in my case, starting as a front-line epidemiologist and now leading this dedicated, inspiring team."As director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, Cara Christ, M.D., M.S., leads a dynamic team responsible for leading Arizona’s public health system, which includes responding to disease outbreaks, … [More]
Sherri Collins
"I am spreading the message to the Arizona community and to society in general what life is like when you’re deaf; my goal is that every child who is hard of hearing, deaf or deafblind has full access to language and the opportunity to lead a successful life."Sherri Collins is the executive director of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, a position she … [More]
Lisa Dancsok
"I am passionate about the work, I push for perfection, and I value every team member I am privileged to work with."Lisa Dancsok was named the chief brand and impact officer for the Arizona Community Foundation in May 2017. She moved from Michigan to Arizona for her dream job. This position enables her to work for a statewide community foundation where she leads ACF’s strategic … [More]
Frances J. Ducar, FNP-C
"Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives. I strive to be a mentor for all HCS team members and provide exceptional healthcare for my patients to assist them to live a life of optimal health — building relationships with trust, honesty and integrity!"Frances Ducar is the founder and president of Healthcare Solutions … [More]
Sybil Francis, Ph.D.
"Leave the world better than you found it, don’t accept the status quo, open your mind to new thinking and new ways of doing what you once thought impossible or too bold to imagine."Sybil Francis, Ph.D., was part of the founding team of the Center for the Future of Arizona and was appointed president and CEO in 2018. Dr. Francis brings her passion for creating positive change, … [More]
Rachel Frazier Johnson
"I believe my passion, courage and tenacity coupled with my desire to help those in our community who have been marginalized have been an inspiration for others. "Rachel Frazier Johnson is an accomplished attorney, a formidable pro tem judge and a successful business owner. Her private law practice, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law, was established in 2013 is still serving the … [More]
