Vitalyst Spark

In this episode, we explore a critical question for Arizona's nonprofit sector: What does it take not just to survive, but to thrive in a time of uncertainty? A recent statewide scan commissioned by Vitalyst Health Foundation found that nonprofit leaders across Arizona are navigating funding instability, workforce burnout, growing community needs, and increasing demands for organizational adaptability. Yet the report also highlights a clear path forward: investing in leadership, infrastructure, collaboration, and long-term capacity building. In this conversation, we'll unpack what the findings mean for nonprofits, funders, and communities, and discuss how Arizona can build a stronger, more coordinated ecosystem that supports sustainable impact. Show Notes  Read the Nonprofit Capacity Building Scan Meet the Authors Visit Sarah Gonzalez's Website - Gonzalez Consulting LLC  Visit Bashir & Associates Website   

We recently spoke with the Arizona Governor's Office H.R. 1 Liaison, Dana Naimark. We discussed one of the most significant safety net policy changes facing Arizona in years: implementing H.R. 1 and what it means for members of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and people who receive SNAP. The new federal law introduces major changes, including work requirements for certain adults enrolled in Medicaid and more frequent eligibility renewals, changes that could affect Arizonans over the coming years.   To help members and community organizations prepare, AHCCCS and its partners recently launched KeepMyAHCCCS.com, a resource designed to explain the upcoming requirements, exemptions, timelines, and steps eligible residents can take to maintain their health coverage. www.keepmyahcccs.com 

As part of Vitalyst's 30th Anniversary, the Board of Trustees approved a $2 million investment in The Pfister Housing Impact Fund, an investment fund created by Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL) and managed by RDF. The Fund is a business-led investment opportunity designed to strengthen Arizona's economy by expanding workforce housing at scale. In this episode, we hear from Amy Laughlin of RDF, Stephanie Herndon of GPL, and Vitalyst's Gabriel Jaramillo as they discuss the Fund's beginnings and goals.  Links:  Pfister Housing Impact Fund Website

On this episode, we spoke with David Martinez III during his last week at Vitalyst about his nearly eight years at the Foundation as he prepares to become CEO of AZ Impact for Good.   AZ Impact For Good David Martinez III Will Lead AZ Impact for Good - Vitalyst Health Arizona Together for Impact – HELPING NONPROFITS MAXIMIZE THEIR IMPACT

Earlier this year, Vitalyst invested in The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF). The Fellowship is a year-long leadership and service program that empowers graduate and professional students from any discipline to address community health needs. The Fellowship has 10 sites across the U.S. in partnership with academic institutions; It supports Fellows in designing and leading projects with community agencies, clinics, and schools. Guided by the World Health Organization’s broad definition of health, Fellows tackle issues affecting physical, mental, and social well-being, including social and environmental determinants of health. Fellow projects address broad health issues. On this episode, we are speaking with Rachel Gold, Executive Director of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, 2012-2013 Fellow David Savage and 2021-2022 Fellow AeYanna Yett. 

As part of Vitalyst's 30th Anniversary investments, the Foundation invested $1 million into The Children’s Vision Fund, a collaborative effort led by Eyes On Learning, Vitalyst Health Foundation, VisionQuest 20/20, and Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. The Fund will ensure that schools, especially Title I schools and schools in rural districts, have the tools they need to meet Arizona’s vision screening mandate and connect children and parents to screening and treatment. On this episode, Laura Smith, director of Eyes on Learning, and Roy Pringle, CEO of Vitalyst Health Foundation tell us more about the Fund.    Links: Eyes on Learning Website  Vitalyst 30th Anniversary Investments Announcement

Vitalyst has been on a transition plan since March of 2025 when Suzanne Pfister announced her retirement. Following Suzanne’s passing last summer, Board Chair, Sue Pepin, stepped in as Interim CEO. She and the Vitalyst Board of Trustees have been engaged in a year-long search for Vitalyst’s next CEO and have selected long-time Chief Operating and Financial Officer, Roy Pringle, as Vitalyst’s new CEO. He stepped into this role officially on May 1st. In this episode, we will discuss what this means for Vitalyst and what community partners can expect.

There have been lots of changes to the HealthCare Marketplace this year. From staff cuts to subsidy end dates, there is a lot to discuss to ensure Arizonans who need health care coverage know where to get help and what they can expect. Joining us from the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers is Claudia Maldonado, who oversees Arizona’s navigator grant from the Federal government. Links: Cover Arizona Connector to Schedule an Appointment Find a community health center - AACHC Health insurance plans & prices | HealthCare.gov

On today’s episode, we are back after a hiatus. A lot has happened in the world of community health, and at Vitalyst. We are catching up with Interim CEO and Board Chair Susan Pepin.

The U.S. Senate is currently considering a budget proposal that includes significant changes to Medicaid, building upon the House-passed "Big Beautiful Bill." While the Senate version is still under negotiation, some of the proposed changes to Medicaid, or AHCCCS in Arizona, include work requirements, provider tax limits, prohibitions on gender-affirming care, and increasing the frequency of eligibility verification to twice a year, among others. On this episode, we delve into the specifics of what this budget could mean for Medicaid with Vitalyst Trustees Will Humble, Ann-Marie Alameddin, and Wendy Armendariz, as they view it from various public health perspectives.    Links:  Will's Blog on Medicaid  AZFamily Story About Impact on Rural Communities and Hospitals Meidcaid Matters Video by NOAH