Our Mission
AIH-AHEC's mission is to increase the number of American Indian Healthcare professionals by nurturing partnerships with Arizona’s Tribal communities to increase and support present and future American Indian students and healthcare providers.
Our Vision
To foster and empower health career aspirations among our youth and to cultivate and support a strong culturally responsive healthcare workforce dedicated to sustainability within our Arizona Tribal communities.
Our Commitment
At AIH-AHEC, our commitment to resilience, collaboration, and innovation drives us forward as we continue to sow the seeds of positive change in Arizona's healthcare landscape. We recognize the distinct needs of each of Arizona's 22 Tribal communities and strive to provide support and resources to increase accessible, quality healthcare through education and workforce development.
Our Approach: "Growing Our Own"
At AIH-AHEC, we believe in the power of "Growing Our Own" healthcare workforce. This approach empowers individuals from tribal communities to pursue careers in healthcare, fostering a sense of ownership and creating culturally responsive healthcare systems.
By collaborating with Tribal Health Systems and implementing innovative workforce strategies, we're working to alleviate healthcare shortages and build a sustainable healthcare workforce that understands the unique needs of tribal communities.
Why Our Work Matters
American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in Arizona face some of the highest rates of health disparities, poverty, and poor health outcomes. These challenges are compounded by inadequate education, discrimination in healthcare delivery, and cultural differences.
Despite being the second-highest racial/ethnic group in Arizona with healthcare access, AI/AN individuals have the second-lowest prevalence of having a personal doctor or healthcare provider. This gap extends beyond healthcare itself to encompass the social determinants of health.
Arizona, with its diverse population of 7.3 million residents and twenty-two sovereign tribal nations, faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and tribal communities.
Meet Our Staff
AIH-AHEC Advisory Council
- Agnes Attakai, MPA - Program Manager, Native Initiatives, Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities
- James "Michael" Darragh, MD - Chief Medical Officer, San Carlos Apache Health Care
- Navaz Dolasa, MD - Pediatric Medical Director, Gila River Health Care
- Holly Figueroa - President/Tribal Liaison, Arizona Rural Health Association/BCBS
- John Molina, MD - Director, Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care
- Kim Russell - Grant Writer, Sage Memorial Hospital
- Francene Larzelere Sinquah, DBH, MS - Center for Indigenous Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Miguel Flores Jr. LISAC, CSOTS - Chief Executive Officer, Holistic Wellness Counseling & Consultant Services, LLC
- Gary Leslie - Public Health Educator, Hopi Health Care Center
Our Partners
