Tucson C.A.R.E.S.
What We Do
Tucson C.A.R.E.S. (Community Access, Referral, Education, and Service) is a comprehensive and strategic approach to address health and wellness inequities at Tucson House, Tucson’s largest public housing community.
In collaboration with the University of Arizona Department of Family and Community Medicine, interdisciplinary teams conduct on-site health and wellness assessments for Tucson House residents in an effort to identify unmet physical and mental health needs and overcome barriers to services residents may be experiencing.
The inception of the program is based on work in the Choice Neighborhoods People and Education planning and action project in response to an unmet need for public housing residents – increased awareness, access to, and utilization of health and human services to improve health outcomes.
We Link
These joint assessments guide our team as we work to link residents to existing community resources and services, and make connections to medical and behavioral health care where they can become established with providers to receive continuity of care.
We Engage
Team members connect with residents through the assessment process, an embedded drop-in space, and social calls creating multiple opportunities and outlets for residents to engage socially. These connections give residents multiple avenues to offer input, seek assistance, or simply enjoy a friendly conversation with a C.A.R.E.S. team member.
We Amplify
We take the input and feedback we hear from residents and share it through regular meetings with the Tucson House Residents Council and city management, serving as an advocate and amplifier for residents looking to have their voices heard.
We Partner
Driven by resident input, we work to establish connections with community partners to help bring needed services and health and wellness focused activities to Tucson House. Resident guided initiatives like warm clothing and blanket drives, pop-up pet vaccine clinics, and healthy food and nutrition demos address health and wellness on a community-wide level and have formed lasting connections with a multitude of local organizations.
Goals
Improve physical, mental, and emotional health, well-being, and quality of life among residents of Tucson House
Increase and promote resident health literacy
Reduce social isolation among residents
Reduce non-emergency calls related to resident health conditions through promoting routine doctor's visits or connecting residents to in-home care
Act as a linkage to other community partners and organizations to improve the health and wellbeing of Tucson House Residents
Promote equity in health and healthcare to a frequently overlooked population
C.A.R.E.S. Café
CARES Café was a unique opportunity for local organizations, non-profits, & community health leaders to impact residents of Tucson House-Tucson’s largest public housing community- and beyond through this weekly health and wellness-focused digital inclusion effort.
Mirroring the in-person work of the Tucson C.A.R.E.S (Community Access, Referral and Education Services for Health) embedded drop-in space, CARES Café acts as a linkage to resources promoting improved health and wellness for the Tucson House and the community at large. From guided meditation to Medicare assistance CARES Café aims to shed light on the broad spectrum of health and wellness approaches available in our community.
Last year, we met with community health leaders to discuss services, resources, and innovative approaches to improving mental and physical health that are meant to benefit & serve all members of our community. This lunchtime chat is broadcast via Zoom & Facebook Live and presented & hosted by Tucson CARES and YMCA of Southern Arizona.
