Areas of Engagement 2008

Health Care: Tucsonans from across the socioeconomic spectrum face challenges accessing health care and health insurance coverage. Many new ideas for change are emerging at the federal, state, and local levels, including a possible statewide ballot initiative and county bond for 2008. What are the central health care issues affecting families in the Tucson region? What strategies could address problems such as the shortage of nurses and other healthcare workers?

Elder Care: Arizona’s population is aging fast, and many rely on unpaid help from family to support them. These caregivers have little opportunity for respite, since Tucson has few adult day care facilities. Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers average one nurse per 20 patients; the number of health care workers available to take care of the elderly is declining.

Behavioral Health: Although AHCCCS offers some of the best mental health coverage in the country, private insurance companies generally cover very little mental health treatment. Parity in physical and behavioral health coverage should be a priority for any healthcare reform effort. The mental health system is particularly inadequate for children/adolescents and the elderly.

Housing: Problems of substandard housing, overcrowding, and inability to make major repairs face tens of thousands of Tucson families. The nationwide credit crunch has had a major impact locally, and it is estimated that 24% of all mortgages originated in Arizona in 2006 will enter into foreclosure. What are the costs and benefits of policy recommendations such as inclusionary zoning, a real estate transfer tax, and bonds for affordable housing?

Crime/Crime Prevention: Congregation members have reported ongoing problems of robberies and assaults in and around local churches. High crime levels are exacerbated by the fact that undocumented individuals are afraid to report crimes of all kinds under threat of family separation and deportation. PCIC congregations have successfully reduced crime in the past by collaborating with law enforcement, neighborhoods, schools, and agencies.

Immigrant Integration: New demographic research shows how important immigrant integration is for the baby boom generation in the United States. Unless we increase the number of skilled workers in the country by investing in education for immigrant children, the U.S. will lack both the tax base to support these retired workers and the job skills necessary to replace their skilled labor.

Family Centers:Congregations have the potential to be gateways for families to access community resources and networks. PCIC proposes to explore developing family centers as comprehensive hubs of information and advice to link families with one another and with strategies for success. Back to top