Banner – University Family Care Showcases 360° SCD Hub and the Power of Partnerships at the Innovations in Medicaid Leadership Conference as Unique Strategy on Connecting with Hard-to-Reach Populations

Tucson, AZ – July 22, 2024 – The Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona, in partnership with the Force for Health® Network, is proud to announce the development of a groundbreaking app and platform designed to enhance engagement and support for individuals affected by sickle cell disease. This project was made possible through a HRSA grant and reflects our commitment to leveraging technology for community health.

One of the foundation’s esteemed Board Members, Sarah Spiekermeier, who also serves as the COO of Banner – University Family Care, presented at the annual Innovations in Medicaid Conference on July 22-23, 2024, in Alexandria, VA. Her presentation, titled “Engaging Members through Technology: Developing Strategic Partnerships with Community Based Organizations & Vendors to Connect with Hard-To-Reach Members,” spotlighted the innovative approaches and successful collaborations that drive these initiatives.

Spiekermeier oversees Medicaid and Medicare Operations for approximately 300,000 members within central and southern Arizona. Her expertise and leadership have been instrumental in forging partnerships that enhance member engagement and health outcomes. During her presentation, Spiekermeier highlighted two significant apps/platforms:

Pyx Health: A human + tech platform created to solve loneliness and improve social health and quality outcomes. Pyx Health features a mobile app paired with peer mentors and resource navigators that provides members with digital and human support; building trust and encouraging engagement through empathy and companionship to address loneliness, anxiety, depression and indicated social needs.
360° SCD Hub: A HRSA-funded app owned by the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona, developed by the Force for Health® Network, designed to unify, empower and educate the entire Sickle Cell Disease ecosystem. This includes interactive learning, pain and health trackers, peer communities and gamification, and information on in-person events, where users can earn SickleSense Coins for engaging on the platform to be eligible for prizes and giveaways.

Both Pyx Health and 360° SCD Hub were developed by women-owned, Pima County-based tech companies, underscoring our commitment to local innovation and collaboration. This approach not only highlights the agility and creativity of our tech partners but also demonstrates the potential for significant advancements within a short time frame.

“We were excited to showcase these innovative solutions at the Innovations in Medicaid Conference,” said Spiekermeier. “Our partnerships with community-based organizations and tech vendors like Pyx Health, the Sickle Cell Foundation and the Force for Health® Network exemplify when a community comes together, we can bridge gaps and connect with hard-to-reach members effectively.”

The Force for Health® Network is dedicated to providing high-quality, health-science-based information and tools to support health literacy and community engagement. Our collaboration with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona is a testament to our shared vision of utilizing technology to improve health outcomes and empower individuals.

“I am thrilled beyond belief to have such incredible partners like Banner – University Family Care and the Force for Health® to help my vision come into play here and to help empower and unify the entire Sickle Cell ecosystem. I am humbled, honored and so grateful to everybody involved,” said Moses Akpan, founder and President of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona.

“I’ve always said that innovation requires nimble collaboration, and I’m thrilled to see this concept in play here within the healthcare, non-profit and private sector space. It has been an honor helping Moses Akpan, the founding President of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona, see his vision come to life in the form of this platform and recent community launch events. The community feedback has been great, and that’s what matters most,” said Lucy Howell, CEO, the Force for Health® Network.

For more information about the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona and our partnership with the Force for Health® Network, please visit www.sicklecellfoundationaz.org and www.theforceforhealth.com.

About Banner – University Family Care and Banner Medicare Advantage – As one of the largest nonprofits and locally-based health systems in the nation, Banner Health Plans provides industry-leading benefits and high-quality health care through our Medicare and Medicaid plans in Arizona.

About the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona – The Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by sickle cell disease through education, advocacy and support services. Our initiatives aim to raise awareness and foster community engagement to drive better health outcomes. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona also owns and operates the 360SCDHub.org website and app.

About the Force for Health® Network – The Force for Health® Network is a leader in providing innovative health education and engagement solutions. Our mission is to support health literacy and empower individuals through cutting-edge technology and community-based initiatives.