Banner Health’s $1.1 Billion Community Investment Strengthens Native Health Across Arizona

Banner Health is setting a powerful example of how integrated nonprofit systems can serve Native populations with cultural awareness and measurable outcomes.

$1.1 Billion Reinvested Into Communities

Banner Health’s 2025 annual report, released March 31, 2026, outlines $1.1 billion in community investments. As a result, Arizona’s largest private employer now supports 140,000 jobs. Additionally, it drives $12 billion in annual economic impact. The numbers speak for themselves. Colorectal cancer screenings among Medicaid members jumped 114%. Meanwhile, blood pressure checks surged over 1,100% year-over-year. Furthermore, well-child visits in rural Arizona counties climbed 34% — reaching Our Relatives in underserved regions!

Honoring Indian Country Through Culturally Aware Programs

Banner Alzheimer’s Institute held its 19th annual conference on dementia in Native Americans on October 30. Notably, one in five Native adults aged 45 and older reports memory concerns. In addition, a new mural at Diamond Children’s Medical Center in Tucson was completed February 16, 2026. It was designed in consultation with the Tohono O’odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Together, these efforts honor elders, Native practitioners, and Indigenous families.

Nearly 200 New Residency Slots Target Tribal and Rural Areas

A Halle Foundation grant announced October 24, 2025 funds nearly 200 new primary care residency positions. Currently, Arizona meets only 35.4% of its primary care physician needs. Moreover, the state will require nearly 2,000 additional physicians by 2030. Consequently, this investment is essential for tribal and rural communities.

Ellsworth Stands Ready to Partner With Banner Health

Ellsworth, a Native owned small business and ISBEE-certified medical staffing company, serves Indigenous populations and IHS facilities across Indian Country. Specifically, we support tribal health programs and rural hospitals from the Southwest to the Northern Plains. Therefore, we invite Banner Health to partner with Ellsworth to bring culturally competent clinicians into its six-state network. Connect with Ellsworth today to advance native health for Our Relatives!