SEAHEC Participates in Rural Community Conversation with Governor Katie Hobbs in Duncan

On April 10, Southeast Arizona Health Education Center (SEAHEC) had the honor of

participating in a community conversation at the Duncan Senior Center in Duncan, Arizona,

alongside Governor Katie Hobbs. SEAHEC Executive Director Brenda Sánchez and Community Health Worker Carolina Cortez joined local leaders and community members to discuss the needs and priorities of rural southeastern Arizona communities.

During the meeting, SEAHEC had a critical opportunity not only to participate but to actively

advocate for the communities we serve across southeastern Arizona. Drawing from its work in Graham, Greenlee, Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Pima counties, SEAHEC intentionally brought

forward the voices, lived experiences, and ongoing challenges faced by rural residents, ensuring these perspectives were clearly represented and centered in conversations at the state level.

SEAHEC’s presence reinforced its role as a trusted bridge between community and policymakers, advocating for solutions that are informed directly by those most impacted.

A key focus of SEAHEC’s advocacy was the urgent need to address transportation barriers,

particularly for older adults. Limited transportation options continue to prevent many community members from accessing essential healthcare services, including routine appointments, preventive care, mental health services, and chronic disease management.

SEAHEC also emphasized the importance of investing in rural infrastructure, including safe and paved roads, which are essential to improving access to care and overall quality of life. In

addition, SEAHEC highlighted the need to strengthen public health systems through continued investment in the Community Health Worker (CHW) workforce. CHWs are on the frontlines of care, providing culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach, education, and support that connects communities to vital resources and services.

Governor Hobbs’ visit to the Duncan Senior Center demonstrated the importance of engaging directly with rural communities. It also reinforced the critical role organizations like SEAHEC play in ensuring that the realities of southeastern Arizona are not only heard, but actively advocated for in policy and funding decisions. SEAHEC is grateful to the Governor’s Office for the opportunity to be part of this conversation and remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the health, dignity, and access that rural communities deserve. Through continued collaboration with community partners and policymakers, SEAHEC will persist in advancing health equity across southeastern Arizona.