Arizona fails to implement key health policies, report finds

PHOENIX — A health policy report released last week found that Arizona has failed to implement key policies that could improve the health of its residents.

The report from Trust for America’s Health analyzed state action on 13 wide-ranging policies for the improvement of residents’ health.

“The state had adopted a number of policies that were highlighted in our report as beneficial,” said President and CEO John Auerback.

Arizona implemented paid sick leave and taxation for both tobacco and alcohol, which had a positive effect to residents’ health and wellness.

“On the other hand, we found some areas Arizona can improve, which included universal pre-kindergarten, Syringe Access, and Complete Street.”

The report, Promoting Health and Cost Control: How States Can Improve Community Health and Well-being through Policy Change, was issued to provide guidance for Arizona’s government, legislature and health officials on how to take policy steps to improve residents’ health.

By having those policies, Arizona could improve on the education and health of young children, reduce the number of HIV and infectious disease and increase physical activity.

Auerback said he hopes the report can help every state improve by implementing more policies.

“We hope that Gov. Doug Ducey, legislators and health officials within the state find this to be a useful guide as them consider those policies that may be most beneficial for the state’s residents.”