What to Know for Healthy Aging Month

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Our bodies change in many ways as we age. The more we know what to expect and how to manage any challenges, the better. NOAH offers comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages, but since September is Healthy Aging Month, we are sharing useful tips and reminders for you and your loved ones.

Don’t Miss Annual Physicals

Annual physicals are an opportunity for you to discuss your health and wellness with your primary care provider. Medical providers will order age-appropriate tests and labs to get a full picture of your health. At NOAH we strongly encourage our Medicare patients to schedule their annual Medicare Wellness Visit to discuss health goals and recommendations.

Get Regular Check-Ups

If you aren’t feeling well, make an appointment to see your provider. Patients, especially aging patients, shouldn’t try to wait it out if there is something wrong. Having regular check-ups will keep you feeling well and catch any potentially serious conditions early.

Mental Health Matters

No matter your age, your mental health is important. In aging adults, depression can have a negative impact on health conditions like heart disease and stroke. Patient’s often underestimate depression and mental health concerns, but it is important to everyone’s overall health to make sure mental wellbeing is, managed appropriately.

Get Moving

More physical activity means a healthier you! Getting active can help delay, prevent, or manage many chronic diseases like diabetes and high cholesterol. Being more active can also help keep your bone density and strength. Any exercise is better than none, so just get moving!

Eat For Your Health

Being overweight or obese will seriously harm your overall health, particularly as you age. Eating a nutritious diet will help manage chronic conditions, keep you healthy, and even improve your mood. Consider adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals, and always talk to your provider about any diet changes.

If you have trouble accessing or affording healthy, nutritious food, talk to NOAH. We can help!

Stay Social for Healthy Aging

A recent study found that older adults with more social activity had more positive moods, fewer negative feelings, and higher levels of physical activity. If you don’t have a social network, look for one through volunteer activities, at senior centers, at church, or other local community groups.

NOAH is here for you and your loved ones at any age. To learn more about healthy aging, comprehensive care, enrolling in Medicare or another insurance plan, access to healthy food and other resources, reach out to NOAH today at 480-882-4545 or make an appointment online.

Prescription Pick-up Now Available at All Locations

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NOAH’s Cholla Pharmacy now offers next day courier services to all NOAH Health Center locations.

To make sure you get your medications accurately and on time, here’s what you need to do:

For New Medications:

  • Let your provider or medical assistant know that you want NOAH’s Cholla Pharmacy to be your preferred pharmacy.
  • If you choose Cholla Health Center for pick-up:
    • Your medication will likely be ready for pick-up right away. The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch.
  • If you choose any other NOAH location for pick-up:
    • Your provider or medical assistant will request your medications be couriered to your selected NOAH location. Prescriptions ordered before 3 p.m. will be available for pick-up the following day. Medication can be picked up anytime during regular clinic operating hours (hours vary by location).
  • Please note that some medications may be out of stock or require a special order. NOAH’s Pharmacy will let you know if your medication will not be ready within the typical time frame.
  • Courier service is also not available for controlled substances.
  • If you want an update on your order, you can call the pharmacy at 480-903-3560.

For Existing Prescriptions:

If you already have prescriptions filled elsewhere, you can easily transfer them to NOAH’s Pharmacy by calling your provider. NOAH providers can be reached via MyChart or by calling 480-882-4545.

NOAH’s full-service pharmacy located at NOAH’s Cholla Health Center is open to anyone including NOAH patients and community members. For more information, you can reach our pharmacy at 480-903-3560.

NOAH and Molina Healthcare: Programs Benefiting our Community

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At NOAH, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our community. Our partnership with Molina Healthcare has been vital in enhancing our services and reaching more individuals in need. We are proud to highlight some of the key programs and events that with support from Molina Healthcare have made a significant impact on our community.

Fresh for You Food Distribution System 

Addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy lifestyle choices are central to our mission at NOAH. Thanks to the generous funding from Molina Healthcare, NOAH purchased a bank of 16 refrigerated lockers for our Cholla Health Center. The Fresh for You food distribution program provides our food-insecure patients and community members with easy and dignified access to healthy produce and other nutritious items.

In collaboration with Farmbox Arizona and St. Mary’s Food Bank, we ensure a steady supply of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables and shelf-stable items to fill these lockers. This partnership not only supports local agriculture but also guarantees that our patients receive the freshest and most nutritious options available. 

Since launching in late 2023, demand for our Fresh for You food distribution program has soared creating the need for even more food lockers. Molina Healthcare was quick to support this community need by funding additional food lockers doubling our distribution capacity to 32 food lockers by August 2024.  

Books for Kids

During well-child checks, children receive books generously donated by Molina Healthcare, available in either English or Spanish based on the family’s preference. These books are theirs to keep, encouraging reading at home and supporting literacy.

To make the experience enjoyable for the entire family, we also provide books for siblings. This ensures that if a sibling accompanies the child to the appointment, both children can enjoy a book, making visits to our health centers a positive and engaging experience for families.

Special Events

NOAHfest Carnival and Health Fair

Molina Healthcare was the presenting sponsor two years in a row for our 2023 and 2024 NOAHfest events. These free one-day community events featured a day of fun, entertainment, and health at NOAH’s Cholla Health Center in Scottsdale. 

Thanks to Molina’s contribution, NOAH was able to offer this event to hundreds of individuals and families who enjoyed a variety of activities, including inflatable and tabletop games, face painting, crafts, and giveaways, as well as information and health screenings from NOAH providers. 

Connecting with patients and community members about healthcare in this non-traditional way created an opportunity to educate more than 800 participants about NOAH services and community resources.  

Back-to-School Wellness Events

Back to School season is a great time to ensure students are up to date on vaccinations, on-track for growth and development, and ready for the new school year. With support from Molina Healthcare, NOAH was able to fund the post-COVID-19 return of special back to school wellness events in 2023. Over 700 children benefitted from our increased appointment availability, extended Saturday schedules, and free resources to get the school year started.  

Community Care Day

In 2024, Molina and NOAH are going beyond back to school with resources available for the whole family during a special Community Care Day event on July 27 at NOAH’s Cholla Health Center. Patients and community members are invited to stop by for free school supplies, diapers, nutrition tips, health information, and more while supplies last.

Our partnership with Molina Healthcare has enabled us to launch and sustain impactful programs, addressing critical needs such as food insecurity and community engagement. We are deeply grateful for Molina’s support and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to improve the health and well-being of our community.

Prescription Delivery to NOAH Health Centers

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NOAH is thrilled to let you know that we’ve made some changes to make getting your prescription medications even easier.

If you’re part of NOAH’s Sliding Fee Scale Program and want to keep getting your medications at a discounted rate, you have four convenient options: you can pick them up at NOAH’s Cholla Pharmacy or have them delivered to NOAH’s Desert Mission, Palomino, or Copperwood II Health Center for pick-up.

Additionally, prescription delivery to NOAH’s Copperwood II Health Center is available for Sliding Fee Scale and insured patients.

To make sure you get your medications accurately and on time, here’s what you need to do:

For New Medications:

  • Let your provider or medical assistant know that you want NOAH’s Cholla Pharmacy to be your preferred pharmacy.
  • If you choose Cholla Health Center for pick-up:
    • Your medication may be ready for pick-up as soon as the same day.
  • If you choose Copperwood II Health Center, Desert Mission Health Center, or Palomino Health Center for pick-up:
    • Your provider or medical assistant will take care of the details and ensure your prescription is ready for pick-up the next business day if ordered before 3 p.m.
  • If you want an update on your order for any pick-up location, you can call the pharmacy at 480-903-3560.

For Existing Prescriptions:

If you already have prescriptions filled elsewhere, you can easily transfer them to NOAH’s Pharmacy by calling your provider. NOAH providers can be reached via MyChart or by calling 480-882-4545.

Please note controlled substances are not available for prescription delivery services.

NOAH’s full-service pharmacy located at NOAH’s Cholla Health Center is open to anyone including NOAH patients and community members. For more information, you can reach our pharmacy at 480-903-3560.

Thank You, Dr. Jackie Doris

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There are moments that require us to reflect, to celebrate, and to say farewell. This week, we honor the career of Dr. Jackie Doris, a cherished member of our NOAH family upon her May 1 retirement.

Dr. Doris’s journey into medicine was inspired by her experiences at a young age. Growing up as the daughter of immigrants, she learned the value of diligence and education early on. However, it was a pivotal moment—the hospitalization of her father following a heart attack—that left an impact on Dr. Doris. Witnessing the dedication and kindness of the medical staff during this challenging time steered Dr. Doris towards her calling in medicine.

Throughout her 30 year career, Dr. Doris has been committed to providing personalized and compassionate care to countless lives within our community. To her patients, she was not just a physician but a trusted partner in their health journey, guiding them with empathy and expertise.

Congratulations, Dr. Doris, on your retirement, and may this new journey be filled with happiness, cherished moments, and new adventures. We thank you for all that you’ve done for NOAH. 

If you’re under the care of Dr. Doris at NOAH’s Midtown location, rest assured that you’ll receive excellent care from the Midtown’s other highly skilled providers: Andres Hernandez MD, Hannah Gammage NP, Tahirah Abdul-Rahman DO, and Johnathan Navarro PA, who will continue the standard of treatment you’ve come to expect.

Patient Experience Week

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As we step into Patient Experience Week, we want to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation to each and every one of you. This week is not just about celebrating healthcare; it’s about celebrating YOU—the heart and soul of NOAH.

So here’s to you, our amazing patients!
Thank you for being the reason we do what we do. 

Your support means the world to us. Whether it’s a kind word, a warm smile, or simply showing up for your appointments, your presence makes a difference. You are more than just patients; you are valued members of our healthcare family, and we are honored to be a part of your journey to wellness.

We want to acknowledge how truly awesome our patients are. You face challenges with grace, champion for your health, and you never cease to amaze us with your strength and courage. It is because of you that we are motivated to provide the best possible care, accessible to every community member.

Fun Giveaways

As a token of our appreciation, patients that have appointments during the week of April 29 – May 3 will receive some fun giveaways, including NOAH branded sunshades (while supplies last). 

Let NOAH help you beat the summer heat with a sunshade which can reduce the temperature inside your car by 8-25%.

NOAH Pharmacy Coming Soon!

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NOAH is thrilled to announced that Pharmacy Services will be available at our Cholla Health Center location in late 2023! This initiative is set to enhance the healthcare experience for not only our patients, but also our wider community. At NOAH, we are committed to making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and convenient for everyone.

Comprehensive Medication Access

We welcome patients from all walks of life, and most major insurance plans will be accepted, ensuring that cost is not a obstacles to quality healthcare. For those who qualify, we are proud to continue offering our sliding fee scale program, which provides deep discounts on medications, making essential treatments affordable for everyone.

Convenience at Its Best

Convenience is key, and we’re creating an environment where patients can pick up their prescriptions immediately after a visit with their healthcare provider. This streamlined process reduces wait times, allowing you to focus on your health, not on your medication.

Medication Counseling

We understand that taking medications can sometimes be a complex process. Our dedicated team will provide thorough medication counseling to ensure that patients understand how to use their medications, what to expect, and how to manage any potential side effects. Our team also conducts comprehensive medication reviews before every dispensing, guaranteeing there are no drug interactions, duplications, or other issues that could jeopardize your well-being.

Medication Synchronization

Say goodbye to frequent trips to the pharmacy. With our medication synchronization service, you can pick up all your prescriptions in a single visit, saving you time and effort. This hassle-free system ensures that you never run out of essential medications.

Digital Convenience with MyChart

Through our MyChart platform, you can easily request refills online. This service puts control in your hands, offering you the freedom to manage your health on your own terms.

Prescription Delivery

Our commitment to convenience extends beyond our doors. NOAH will eventually offer prescription delivery to our other NOAH Health Centers, allowing you to enjoy one-stop shopping with ease. This is especially beneficial for those who have mobility issues or limited time to visit the pharmacy in person.

Specialized Care

NOAH Pharmacy Services will go above and beyond, offering medication-assisted treatment options for those struggling with substance use disorder. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing the support and guidance you need to manage these conditions effectively.

Seamless Transfers

Switching your prescriptions to NOAH’s Cholla Pharmacy is hassle-free and cost-effective. We offer prescription transfers at no charge, handling the process for you. We will contact your current pharmacy and arrange the transfer to our location, ensuring continuity in your care.

NOAH’s Pharmacy is more than just a place to pick up your medications. It’s a hub of convenience, affordability, and expertise in medication management and healthcare to ultimately improving your overall well-being. Join us at NOAH and experience the future of healthcare – accessible, affordable, and always there when you need it. Your health is our priority, and at NOAH, we open doors to a healthier, happier you. Stay tuned for more updates about this exciting new chapter!

A Titan Among Leaders: Celebrating Wendy Armendariz

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Congratulations to our CEO, Wendy Armendariz, for being selected as part of the Titan 100!

The Titan 100 is a national program that recognizes a premier group of 100 CEOs or C-level executives in a region. These Titans of Industry demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, passion, and influence in their field.

“These leaders have built a distinguished reputation that is unrivaled and preeminent in their field… their achievements create a profound impact that makes an extraordinary difference for their clients and employees”.

Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO

Wendy, along with her fellow Titans, will be recognized at an awards event on August 24 and will be given the opportunity to connect with the Titans multiple times throughout the year.  The complete list of Titan designees for 2023 is featured on the Titan 100 website and individual profiles will be highlighted on LinkedIn, one per day for 100 days following the recognition event.

This well-deserved recognition highlights Wendy’s outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment, and remarkable achievements in the business realm. Join us in celebrating Wendy’s extraordinary accomplishment and her invaluable contributions toward achieving NOAH’s mission to provide compassionate quality healthcare for all.

Meet our NOAH Desert Animals!

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You might have seen our new desert friends popping up as stick puppets at NOAH health centers over the past year as a tool to entertain and engage children visiting NOAH; either for their own care or the care of a loved one. NOAH’s Desert Friends quickly gained popularity among patients of all ages inspiring an additional character, naming opportunity, photo backdrop, and more.

Kicking off at NOAHfest in January, event participants were invited to submit name suggestions for each animal. The naming campaign continued throughout the month at NOAH health centers throughout the Valley. From over 100 names submitted by NOAH patients and friends, the top five names for each animal were chosen with final names determined by popular vote among NOAH team members. NOAH is proud to introduce NOAH’s Desert Friends!

Meet the Characters

Niko the coyote is friendly, smart, and helpful but gets worried easily.

Maya the hummingbird is very active, opinionated, and full of advice.

Javi the javelina is somber but pleasant. You can find him always eating his vegetables.

Sheldon the tortoise is shy, unsure, and easily embarrassed.

What’s Next?

This year is turning out to be very busy for our new buddies. In partnership with the Arizona Lottery, NOAH has created an original children’s book which tells the story of our four friends helping one another overcome obstacles while learning important life lessons. Books will be distributed in English and Spanish to patients 6-12 years old participating in NOAH’s wellness exam and sports physical Back-to-School events. Grow With Me kits and coloring books, also funded through the Arizona Lottery Gives Back program, will be offered to patients ages 0-12 during the Back-to-School events scheduled for July 29 (at Palomino Health Center) and August 5 (at Cholla Health Center) while supplies last. More information about our Back-to-School events will be coming soon.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for our new companions, and check back often to learn about the exciting future activities our pals have planned!

Time to Re-Enroll!

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DON’T LOSE COVERAGE!

Changes to AHCCCS and KidsCare Renewals
1 in 4 People Currently Enrolled Will Lose Coverage
We Can Help!

What is Happening?

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government required state Medicaid programs like AHCCCS and KidsCare to automatically renew, even if a member’s eligibility changed. Effective April 1, renewals have reverted to the process in place prior to the Public Health Emergency which means eligibility no longer automatically renews as it used to. 

Who Does This Affect?

More than 600,000 members will lose coverage because they are no longer eligible (due to income or other requirements) or have not responded to AHCCCS requests for information.

How Do I Get Healthcare Coverage if I am No Longer Eligible for Medicaid?

Members who are no longer eligible for Medicaid will be referred to the Healthcare Marketplace for coverage options. Losing Medicaid coverage is considered a qualifying event and the Healthcare Marketplace will accept new enrollments through July 2024.

What Do I Need to Do?

  1. Update your contact information. If AHCCCS can’t reach you, you may be dropped even if you are still eligible.
  2. Check your mailbox for renewal information.
  3. Respond within 30 days to any requests from AHCCCS.
  4. Schedule an appointment with NOAH Community Resources for help 602-562-3448.
Request an Appointment