Vitalyst Spark

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

Medicaid has significantly improved access to health care for rural communities in Arizona by providing coverage to low-income individuals, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. It has helped sustain rural hospitals and clinics by offering crucial funding, reducing uncompensated care costs. As a result, Medicaid has played a vital role in maintaining health care infrastructure and improving health outcomes in these underserved areas. Dr. Jonathan Melk, medical doctor and chief executive officer of Chiricahua Community Health Centers based in southeastern Arizona in Cochise County, joined us to shed light on rural health care. 

Partners across the nation have found an untapped resource of land: churches. Vitalyst has been working with churches as part of an evolution of its school districts and housing work. LISC has been working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide information and tools to support faith-based organizations as they explore housing development. In this episode, we will explore how these two initiatives intersect and what opportunities are available.

Links and Resources

Guide:Working With Faith-Based Organizations on Affordable Housing Development

Webinar: Building in God's Backyard 

UCSD Housing Center for Policy and Design

Housing Development Training Institute

ARCHES Report (Arizona Research Center for Housing Equity and Sustainability)