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    • Community resource guide

    We all have different health care needs — big and small. Here are some resources to help you stay as healthy as you can be. Need support for things like substance use or mental health issues? You're not alone. Reach out today.

     

    Community resources

    Caring and helpful resources are just around the corner. These include groups that provide education, training and help for you. 

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    Life-and-death emergencies

    Call 911 if your life, or someone else’s life, is in danger.

    Arizona behavioral health crisis line

    Other crisis lines

    Arizona lines

    National lines

    • National suicide prevention hotline: Dial 988 or 1-800-273-8255
    • National crisis text line: Text HOME to 741741
    • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1

    Learn more about help for a behavioral health crisis. Or learn how to make a safety plan.

    2-1-1

    2-1-1 Arizona is an info and referral service that links people and their families to state services. The line is open every day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. When you call 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 online, you can get help with:

    • Food
    • Rent 
    • Utilities: help from SRP and APS
    • Other things

    You can also visit the state of Arizona website for agencies, services and more.

    Families

    Peers

    Refugees

    Learn more about substance use disorders. You can also learn about suicide prevention or how to make a safety plan.

    Are you a Mercy Care member? Check the benefits page of your health plan to learn about behavioral health services.

    Grants for mental and behavioral health treatment

    Federal and state governments set aside money for people who don’t have health insurance. You can learn more about these grants:

    Are you a Mercy Care member? Check the benefits page of your health plan to learn more about treatment for mental and behavioral health.

    Adoptive, foster and kinship families

    Are you a Mercy Care member? Visit your health plan’s home page under “Benefits.” This is where you can learn more about adoptive, foster and kinship services. 

    Healthy children

    The Birth to Five Helpline is a free service for all Arizona families with young children, as well as parents-to-be. You can get answers to your questions about babies, toddlers or preschoolers.

    You can talk with an early childhood specialist. Call 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday. You can also leave a voicemail or ask your question online anytime.

    Our pregnancy page also has tips and info for parents-to-be. Or check these resources:

    Mental health for children

    Pregnancy and childbirth

    Visit our pregnancy page to learn more.

    As things change with COVID-19, we want to make sure you get the care you need, when you need it. You can find tips to stay safe, as well as where to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

    Visit our COVID-19 page.

    • Alzheimer's Association: Advocates for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s disease. Advances research toward treatment, prevention and a cure.
    • Tobacco & Chronic Disease: Provides info about tobacco and chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, lung disease, cancer, diabetes and asthma.

    Are you a Mercy Care member? Check the benefits page of your health plan to learn more about care management.

    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

    Child and Family Advisory Partnership (CFAP) Meeting 
    Get connected to what’s happening in the local behavioral health community. You can talk directly with providers. And share your ideas to improve the children’s system of care. Enjoy dinner and meet other families. We provide Spanish interpretation and child watch. To register:

    Call 602-288-0155 

    Email us

    Check our events page and Facebook page for upcoming meetings.

    ASD Forum for Children, Youth and Caregivers 
    Learn about the behavioral health services for children and youth at risk for or diagnosed with ASD. These services are for their families and caretakers, too. We’ll talk about finding the right care and getting around barriers to care. You can learn about getting support for you and your family. And share your ideas to improve the system of care. Enjoy dinner and meet other families. We provide Spanish interpretation.

    Check our events page and Facebook page for upcoming meetings.

    More ASD resources

    Are you a Mercy Care member? Check the benefits page of your health plan to learn more about autism spectrum disorder.

    Disabilities

    Head Start programs provide high-quality services in these areas:

    • Early childhood education
    • Nutrition
    • Health
    • Mental health
    • Disabilities
    • Social services with a focus on strong parent involvement

    Who can take part?

    The Head Start program staff determine who can take part. Here are some: general guidelines

    • Early Head Start services: Pregnant women and children from birth to 3 years of age 
    • Head Start services
      • Children age 3 to 5 years old
      • Children and families who are homeless or in foster care, or who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
      • Some families with incomes at or below the federal poverty level — some children from families with incomes above the poverty level can take part, too.

    How do I apply for Head Start or Early Head Start?

    To find a program near you:

    Then, contact the program serving your community. They’ll answer your questions and explain how to apply.

    • Area Agencies on Aging: Offers programs and services that enhance the quality of life for people who live in their regions. They advocate, plan, coordinate, develop and deliver services for seniors, people with disabilities and their families and caregivers.
    • Arizona Department of Health: Arizona site for all state health resources.
    • Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP): Offers a statewide system of services and supports for families of babies and toddlers with disabilities or delays. The age range is from birth to age 3.
    • Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS): Arizona's Medicaid agency. Offers health care programs to people who live in Arizona. Members meet income and other requirements.
    • AZLINKS.gov: Offers help and info on aging and disability and connection with community agencies for help.
    • CDC Office of Minority Health: CDC site offering health info for racial and ethnic minorities.
    • Health-e-Arizona PLUS: Offers a system to apply for AHCCCS health insurance, KidsCare, nutrition and cash help benefits. You can also connect to the federal insurance marketplace.
    • Office of Minority Health: Federal site offering health info for racial and ethnic minorities.
    • Office of Refugee Health: Federal site offering health info for refugees in the U.S.
    • Women, Infants & Children (WIC): Offers services and community support for women, children and families. You can now attend some WIC@Home appointments from home. Join other parents or caregivers on a video chat to share tips on nutrition or breastfeeding. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer with a webcam.
    • Women’s health: Offers info about screenings like the well-woman checkup and other things to do for health and well-being as you age.

    Many people have quit using tobacco through the Arizona Smokers Helpline (ASHline) and tobacco cessation medicine. Coaching and medicine can help you double your chances of success.

    The ASHLine can also help you cut back on your use of tobacco. Or learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from second-hand smoke. Your primary care physician (PCP) can also help. 

    Here are some resources with no cost, including Quit Coaching.

    Strong Families AZ is a network of free home-visiting programs that:

    • Help families raise healthy children ready to succeed in school and life
    • Focus on pregnant woman and families with children from birth to age 5

    Arizona Health Start: For women who are pregnant or have a child under age 2 

    If you’re pregnant or a mom facing challenges, know that we can help. Home visitors can connect you with groups that provide health care, education, parenting resources, and help applying for other programs. We’ll get to know you and your family, so we can help you get the resources you need. We also understand what you’re going through. We’ve helped lots of families just like yours.

    Head Start: For families with children under age 5 

    Head Start (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start (pregnant women and children from birth to age 3) have options:

    • Center Base
    • Home Base
    • Combination (Home & Center) 
    • Family Child Care

    Each program has a personal approach to high-quality services for pregnant women with low incomes and children from birth to age 5. Families get support and help from Head Start staff to become self-sufficient.

    Healthy Families Arizona: For families with a baby under age 3 months

    Having a baby can feel overwhelming. It’s OK to ask for help if you need it. This free program helps people become the best parents they can be. A home visitor will get to know you and connect you with the services you need. To get help, contact any of the service providers where you live.

    Nurse-Family Partnership: For first-time mothers less than 28 weeks pregnant

    Children don’t come with instructions. So it’s normal for new mothers to face challenges and doubt. In times like these, you can get help. This is a community health care program that connects you with a nurse home visitor. During these visits, you’ll learn how to best care for your child.

    Parents As Teachers: For families with a child on the way or under age 5 

    Children have so much potential. As a parent, you get to be their first teacher. That’s because most brain development happens in the first few years of life. You can make a difference, and we’ll show you how. Our home visitors will give you the right resources for your child’s stage of development. You’ll create a stronger relationship with your child. And help prepare them for success in school.

    Family Spirit: For Native American families with children under age 3 

    This program offers parenting help to Native parents and families. Are you pregnant or a parent to a child under age 3? If you’d like to develop your parenting skills, this program is for you. You’ll help your child develop emotional strength and physical well-being. You can also learn how to build a strong, healthy family connected to your Native heritage.

    High Risk Perinatal/Newborn Intensive Care Program: For families with newborns who’ve been in intensive care

    This statewide system of services aims to lower rates of death in moms and babies. It provides a safety net for Arizona families. It also ensures the right level of care at birth and support for the child’s development needs.

    Safecare: For families with a child under age 5

    Highly trained home visitors support you and your family on your journey to success. You’ll receive weekly visits in parent-child interaction, health and home safety. You’ll build on and strengthen your skills through interactive sessions.

    Parents Partners Plus

    Trusted nonprofit and advocacy groups can help give your child the best chance at a happy, healthy future. We can connect you with resources for help with your questions and needs with:

    • Breastfeeding
    • Postpartum (after birth) depression
    • Parenting

    Birth to Five Helpline: Free for all Arizona families with young children, as well as parents-to-be

    Get answers to your questions about babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Call 1-877-705-KIDS (5437) to speak with an early childhood specialist Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can also leave a voicemail or submit your question online anytime.

    Fussy Baby Program

    This is part of the Birth to Five Helpline. The program provides support for parents with concerns about their baby’s behavior during the first year of life. We’ll work with you to find ways to soothe, care for and enjoy your baby. We’ll also offer ways to reduce stress while supporting you as a parent.

    First Things First: 602-771-5100 or 1-877-803-7234

    This program partners with families and communities to help young children get ready for success in kindergarten and beyond.

    Southwest Human Development: 602-266-5976

    This program works with families and parents from pregnancy through the first 5 years of life. 

    Maricopa County Lead Safe Phoenix Partnership

    This program provides services to families enrolled in the Lead Safe Phoenix program:

    Home visits

    • Lead blood testing for children under age 6 
    • Environmental home review to enhance the health and safety of the children in the home
    • Education on the prevention of lead poisoning
    • Screening and referral to community resources as needed

    Community education and outreach

    • Education about lead hazards and lead poisoning prevention to pregnant women and households with children under six
    • Education for home visitors 

    Are you a Mercy Care member? Check the benefits page of your health plan to learn more about jobs.

    Check these resources for help with language:

    You can learn more about advance directives from the:

    You can also read our article about advance directives.

    The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has resources for suicide prevention, as well as help for specific groups:

    You can also learn about support after a suicide happens.

    Here are more links to info about suicide prevention: 

    Questions about tribal relations? You can email:

    • Betty John, Tribal Liaison for Mercy Care CHP 
    • Faron Jack, Tribal Relations Administrator for all other Mercy Care plans

    Rally Point Military Navigator Program - Arizona 24/7 Hotline: 1-855-725-5948

    • Helps returning veterans figure out health care system.
    • Ensures veterans’ physical and behavioral health needs are met. La Frontera-EMPACT offers Rally Point Arizona Military Navigator services. 
    • Provides service members, veterans, and their family members with crisis prevention, intervention, and peer-based support and resources. 
    • Has a Crisis Mobile Team with veterans and bachelor- or master-level clinicians on the team of behavioral health providers. During a crisis, the team can go out into the community. This “vet-to-vet" approach is invaluable, with peer support services from a veteran who has shared lived experiences. It’s a vital part of working with veterans in acute crisis situations.
    • Can help veterans experiencing homelessness find affordable housing and provide support with:
      • Lease processing
      • Managing their relationship with their landlord
      • Getting basic household goods
      • Peer support when they’re moving into permanent housing

    The goal is to help the veterans keep their homes and support them on their path to recovery and health and wellness. Rally Point’s navigator program has served more than 1,000 vets. The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) should coordinate all veterans’ services, such as housing.

    More resources for veterans

    Not yet a member?

    Learn about becoming a member in Mercy Care Medicaid plans or Mercy Care Advantage.