Local Resources for Santa Cruz County and the City of Nogales
Local Resources for Santa Cruz County and the City of Nogales
Community Health Services
Extra Support
Seniors
Housing & Transportation
Youth Exercise Programs
Behavioral Health Centers
Local Resources for Santa Cruz County and the City of Nogales:
Local Resources for Santa Cruz County and the City of Nogales:
Community Health Services
Extra Support
●Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Support, mobile advocacy, 520 375-6050
●Our House, Nuestra Casa - Emergency Shelter for Domestic Violence, 24/7 Hotline (520) 508-0917;
Admin (520) 508-0917
●Santa Cruz Overcoming Substance Addiction, Yara Castro, Network Director, 520 375-6050 ext. 1376,
www.sosaheal.org
●Crossroad Mission Family Center Homeless Shelter, 338 N Morley Ave, Nogales, AZ 85621,
(520) 287-5828
●Nogales Food Pantry: Weekly Food drive from 8 AM to 11 AM, Tuesday through Friday, and the 1st
Saturday of every month. 2636 N Donna Ave Nogales AZ 85621.
●Free Health and Wellness Programs, 520 375-6050
○ Educational programs on Tobacco Cessation, Diabetes, Heart Health, Breast and Cervical
Cancer, Abstinence, Maternal and Child Health, and Women/Infant/Children Services
●Mariposa Community Health Center and Partnering locations, 1852 N. Mastick Way, Nogales, 85621,
520-281-1550, https://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov/153/Public-Health
○Public Works Building, 275 Rio Rico Drive, Rio Rico 85648, (520) 375-7721
○Women Infants and Children (WIC): 1820 N. Mastick Way, (520) 287- 4994
○Pharmacy: 1852 N. Mastick Way, (520) 377-5417
○Community Health Services: 1710 N. Mastick Way, (520) 375-6050
○Administration & Human Resources: 825 N. Grand Avenue, Suite 100, (520) 987-4024
○Immunizations (children and adults), Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition, STD / HIV Prevention and
Control, Tuberculosis Prevention and Control
●Arizona Department of Health Services, for statewide health resources information, (602) 542-1025,
https://www.azdhs.gov/covid19/es/vaccines/index.php
●Fire Department Community Outreach: CPR courses and fire prevention training, nogalesaz.gov
●Police Department Community Outreach: Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program
●0S3 Movement Bi-Annual Health Fair, see https://www.0s3movement.org/2252-2/ to register.
Local Resources for Santa Cruz County and the City of Nogales:
Local Resources for Santa Cruz County and the City of Nogales:
Housing & Transportation
Seniors
●Senior Care Centers:
○Meadow Hills Assisted Living, 1935 W Meadow Hills Dr, Nogales, AZ 85621, (520) 415-1416
○Casa De Asistencia LLC Assisted living facility, 490 E Plaza Karina, Nogales, AZ 8562, (520) 761-4044
○Living Center, Assisted Living, 2073 N Grand Ave, Nogales, AZ 85621, (520) 375-6524
○Cimarron Assisted Living, 1101 W Cimarron St, Nogales, AZ 85621, (520) 265-6616
○Martinez Home Care, 2429 N Grand Ave, Nogales, AZ 85621
○Accent Care, home health services, 2921 N Grand Ave #2, Nogales, AZ 85621, (520) 281-1435
○Dependable Home Health Inc., home health services, 857 W Bell Rd # 7, Nogales, AZ 85621, (520) 761-3211
○Nogales Senior Citizen Center, 125 E. Madison Street Nogales, Arizona 85621, (520) 287-7422
●Nogales Housing Authority, 951 N Kitchen St, Nogales, AZ 85621, (520) 287-4183
●Nogales Rides: Free transportation within city limits to seniors, disabled, special needs or physically
impaired, (520) 285-5757
●Arizona @ Work Santa Cruz County, 610 N. Morley Ave Nogales, AZ 85621, (520) 375-7670,
info@santacruzonestop.org, https://santacruzonestop.org/career-training-programs/
○Veterans, Adults & Dislocated Workers, Youth, Adult Education, Employment Services, Vocational
Rehabilitation
●Nogales Community Development: Projected to help low-income entrepreneurs, people in need of
affordable housing, and people looking for jobs. 250 N Grand Ave, Nogales, AZ 85621, (520) 397-9219
Youth Exercise Programs
●FC Tucson Youth Soccer in Nogales – https://fctucsonyouth.com/
●City of Nogales Parks and Recreation: Winter Hoops Little League Basketball at Recreation Center; call
(520) 285-5782 for more information
●Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz County: education, after-school program, sports, arts, career
development, health and wellness programs. See www.clubnogi.com or contact bgcclub@mchsi.com for more
information.
●0S3 Movement
○Youth bicycle programs, see https://www.0s3movement.org/programs/ or call (520) 257-7756.
○ ¼ Marathon, see https://www.0s3movement.org/2252-2/ to register.
Local Resources for Santa Cruz County and the City of Nogales:
Local Resources for Santa Cruz County and the City of Nogales:
Behavioral Health Centers
●Behavioral health centers inNogales, visit
https://www.mentalhealthfacilities.net/clinics/arizona/nogales.htmll.
○Community Health Associates Nogales: 32 Boulevard Del Rey David, 8562, (844) 758-6238
○Intermountain Health Centers Inc: 276 West View Point Drive, 85621, (888) 363-2855
○Pinal Hispanic Council: 275 North Grand Court Plaza, 85621, (844) 758-6238
○Arizona’s Children Association: 1860 North State Drive, Suite 6, 85621, (888) 363-2855
○Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services Inc: 1891 North Mastick Way, 85621, (888)
363-2855
○Constructing Circles of Peace, 155 N Morley Ave, Nogales, AZ 85621, (520) 281-0579
○Bejarano Counseling Services: Villaescusa A Fernando, 1790 N Mastick Way # A, Nogales, AZ
85621, (520) 313-3476
The list of community resources and articles written by
community leaders were compiled by the Southern Arizona Area
Health Education Centers (SAAHEC) Scholars as part of their 2024
Nogales Community Project in collaboration with the Nogales
Community Leaders, Border Eco, and SAAHEC El Rio Health Center.
2022-2024 SAAHEC Scholars: Dina Balderas, Katelyn Frock, Steve
Jackson, Elisa Loya, Nick Marcell, Blakely Meyer, and Kendra
Unamba / Faculty Advisor: Nancy Johnson, RN, PhD
The list of community resources and articles written by
community leaders were compiled by the Southern Arizona Area
Health Education Centers (SAAHEC) Scholars as part of their 2024
Nogales Community Project in collaboration with the Nogales
Community Leaders, Border Eco, and SAAHEC El Rio Health Center.
2022-2024 SAAHEC Scholars: Dina Balderas, Katelyn Frock, Steve
Jackson, Elisa Loya, Nick Marcell, Blakely Meyer, and Kendra
Unamba / Faculty Advisor: Nancy Johnson, RN, PhD
Bridging the Divide: Challenges in Recruiting Doctors to Rural Areas
By J. Philip Williams, MD
Bridging the Divide: Challenges in Recruiting Doctors to Rural Areas
By J. Philip Williams, MD
In a world where healthcare is a fundamental necessity, ensuring equal access to medical services across urban and rural landscapes remains a persistent
challenge. The shortage of doctors in rural areas remains a pressing issue with many causes and no simple solution. Despite concerted efforts, attracting
and maintaining a robust medical workforce in remote regions remains an uphill battle.
The National Institute of Health estimates that 60 million Americans live in rural areas but projects a shortage of over 20,000 primary care physicians by
2025. Recruiting and retaining doctors in these regions proves difficult due to a variety of factors. Geography plays a large role as long distances to urban
areas may lead to geographic isolation and limited access to amenities such as shopping malls, restaurants, cultural offerings, and social opportunities.
Some doctors may think that larger urban areas offer better educational options for their children and more employment opportunities for their spouses.
Doctors in rural areas are also faced with a more complex patient population than in urban areas. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that rural
Americans have higher rates of poverty and are more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, injury, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke
compared to their urban counterparts. Children in rural areas also face challenges. A recent study found that children in rural areas with mental,
behavioral, and developmental disorders face more community and family challenges than children in urban areas with the same disorders.
Rural healthcare providers often face heavier workloads due to large volumes of patients for a limited number of doctors. Working in remote areas means
being on-call more frequently and handling a wider spectrum of cases. Addressing these issues requires physicians with a unique skill set and a broader
knowledge base than doctors in urban settings with an abundance of specialists where referrals are easier.
Despite these challenges, there are several strategies that rural communities can use to recruit doctors. Encouraging medical students and physicians in
training to rotate in underserved areas can foster an appreciation for rural medicine. Establishing collaborative initiatives between urban and rural
healthcare facilities can facilitate knowledge sharing, professional development, and access to resources. Eliminating financial barriers by offering
competitive salaries, signing bonuses, and assistance with student loan repayment can significantly incentivize healthcare professionals to consider rural
placements. Loan forgiveness programs that reward service in underserved areas help alleviate the burden of educational debts, making rural practice
financially viable and attractive.
Creating a supportive environment for doctors in rural areas is crucial. Establishing robust healthcare infrastructure, including well-equipped facilities
and access to necessary resources, ensures that doctors can deliver quality care. Moreover, providing ample opportunities for professional development,
continuing education, and mentorship programs can enhance job satisfaction and retention rates among rural healthcare providers.
Practicing medicine in an underserved area requires a commitment that transcends the boundaries of traditional healthcare. It's a job driven by a profound
sense of purpose, empathy, and a desire to bridge the gap in access to quality healthcare services. Investing in the well-being of rural populations through
adequate healthcare access not only improves health outcomes but also strengthens the fabric of these communities.
MCHC BH Services - We are here to help!
By Susana Perez-Abreu, LAC
MCHC BH Services - We are here to help!
By Susana Perez-Abreu, LAC
Mariposa Community Health Center (MCHC) is proud to bring you a growing program of varied services to meet the mental health needs of Santa
Cruz County. While these programs all fall within the umbrella of Behavioral Health (BH), it is important to understand the difference so that
you are well-informed about what may be the best fit for you when seeking services.
Behavioral Health Consultation is available to MCHC patients, through referral by their Primary Care Provider, or PCP. Currently there is Dr.
Frank Bejarano, LPC at Mariposa Main Clinic, and Rebecca Robles, LPC in Rio Rico, Patagonia, and soon, Tubac. BHC services are based on a short-
term therapy model where barriers are addressed and discussed. BHCs can see children and adults; sessions are 30 minutes long and geared
toward working collaboratively with your PCP to identify and solve problems.
In Psychiatry, patients seeking a psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis to receive medication treatment may see Ron Wright, MD, Lizette Leach,
PA, and Stephanie Munoz, PA. Sessions are conducted via telemedicine in the Mariposa Mesquite building. Our 4th psychiatric provider, Maureen
Rojas, PMHNP works both in telemedicine and in the office at Mariposa North.
Specialty BH Therapy is based on a long-term therapy model where patients work on clinically significant symptoms associated with mental
health disorders or address complex issues such as trauma. There are two in-person therapists, Tiffany Mihelish, LPC at Mariposa North, and
Susana Perez-Abreu, LAC at Sierra 2nd Floor. For even more flexibility, we have 3 telemedicine therapists: Robyn Rumple, LCSW, Cassie Maradik,
LMSW, and Selah Israel, LMSW.
Our providers have a wide array of experience in serving children 6-17 years old, adults, couples, and families. Help for children under 5 years old
can be provided if the parent or guardian engages the patient to work collaboratively with the therapist to address the emotional and behavioral
concerns of the family.
We are thankful that the BH Department experienced so much growth in 2023 and look forward to continued growth in 2024. We can expect to
add more staff, including another in-person psychiatrist and additional BHC and therapists. Providers are working diligently to offer expanded
services such as group therapy and growing our BH Technicians to provide comprehensive case management. We are looking forward to serving
you and helping you improve your mental wellbeing! For more information or to make an appointment, please call us at (520) 375-5000.
Articles written by community leaders were compiled by the Southern Arizona Area Health
Education Centers (SAAHEC) Scholars as part of their 2024 Nogales Community Project in
collaboration with the Nogales Community Leaders, Border Eco, and SAAHEC El Rio Health
Center.
2022-2024 SAAHEC Scholars: Dina Balderas, Katelyn Frock, Steve Jackson, Elisa Loya, Nick
Marcell, Blakely Meyer, and Kendra Unamba / Faculty Advisor: Nancy Johnson, RN, PhD
Articles written by community leaders were compiled by the Southern Arizona Area Health
Education Centers (SAAHEC) Scholars as part of their 2024 Nogales Community Project in
collaboration with the Nogales Community Leaders, Border Eco, and SAAHEC El Rio Health
Center.
2022-2024 SAAHEC Scholars: Dina Balderas, Katelyn Frock, Steve Jackson, Elisa Loya, Nick
Marcell, Blakely Meyer, and Kendra Unamba / Faculty Advisor: Nancy Johnson, RN, PhD
Hope for Humanity
Eladio Pereira, MD, MBA, MACP
Hope for Humanity
Eladio Pereira, MD, MBA, MACP
The world has changed, and our humanity has been eroded. World conflicts, technology, and other factors have created
a desire to treat others with insults and disrespect. We see that around us daily.
These behaviors lead to unhappiness, bullying, and, in some cases, mental illness. The pressure to follow and duplicate
erratic, unhealthy behaviors is high.
Studies have shown that positive attitudes and behaviors lead to a better life. Empathy, in particular, can help
understand others. Putting ourselves in others’ shoes can help us realize that we are different. Our life circumstances,
in some cases, dictate our mental well-being.
Kindness and courtesy show how connected we are. We all need each other. If we interact with kindness, we feel
better.
There are certain things that we can do to improve the lives of others. Active listening, a smile, a hug, opening the
doors for others, offering good tips, and saying good morning and thank you build a strong connection in a community.
Let us come together and build a community of happiness, kindness, and goodwill. We will be stronger, not weaker.
Articles written by community leaders were compiled by the Southern Arizona Area Health
Education Centers (SAAHEC) Scholars as part of their 2024 Nogales Community Project in
collaboration with the Nogales Community Leaders, Border Eco, and SAAHEC El Rio Health
Center.
2022-2024 SAAHEC Scholars: Dina Balderas, Katelyn Frock, Steve Jackson, Elisa Loya, Nick
Marcell, Blakely Meyer, and Kendra Unamba / Faculty Advisor: Nancy Johnson, RN, PhD
Articles written by community leaders were compiled by the Southern Arizona Area Health
Education Centers (SAAHEC) Scholars as part of their 2024 Nogales Community Project in
collaboration with the Nogales Community Leaders, Border Eco, and SAAHEC El Rio Health
Center.
2022-2024 SAAHEC Scholars: Dina Balderas, Katelyn Frock, Steve Jackson, Elisa Loya, Nick
Marcell, Blakely Meyer, and Kendra Unamba / Faculty Advisor: Nancy Johnson, RN, PhD
Eladio Pereira, MD, MBA, MACP
The list of community resources and articles written by
community leaders were compiled by the Southern Arizona Area
Health Education Centers (SAAHEC) Scholars as part of their 2024
Nogales Community Project in collaboration with the Nogales
Community Leaders, Border Eco, and SAAHEC El Rio Health Center.
2022-2024 SAAHEC Scholars: Dina Balderas, Katelyn Frock, Steve
Jackson, Elisa Loya, Nick Marcell, Blakely Meyer, and Kendra
Unamba / Faculty Advisor: Nancy Johnson, RN, PhD
The list of community resources and articles written by
community leaders were compiled by the Southern Arizona Area
Health Education Centers (SAAHEC) Scholars as part of their 2024
Nogales Community Project in collaboration with the Nogales
Community Leaders, Border Eco, and SAAHEC El Rio Health Center.
2022-2024 SAAHEC Scholars: Dina Balderas, Katelyn Frock, Steve
Jackson, Elisa Loya, Nick Marcell, Blakely Meyer, and Kendra
Unamba / Faculty Advisor: Nancy Johnson, RN, PhD