AZ Blue helps women and their children get a fresh start

Every year, hundreds of sex trafficking survivors in Arizona work to rebuild their lives. Many leave situations with few belongings and few options for starting over.

To help them find safe places to live, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice recently provided $117,000 in support to Phoenix Starfish Place.

The gift will help those like Rebecca and her daughter, who stayed at Phoenix Starfish Place while Rebecca went to school. She is now working to become a dog groomer and has reconnected with her family. Her success story is one of many.

“At Phoenix Starfish Place, they love you until you can love yourself and support you on anything you could possibly think of,” Rebecca said.

Beyond the gift, AZ Blue works with families at Phoenix Starfish Place to provide better access to health and wellness options. In January, for example, AZ Blue talked with residents about health management, diabetes and behavioral health.

“These survivors deserve a fresh start,” said Dr. Heather Carter, Medicaid Segment General Manager and Health Choice of Arizona CEO. “We want to give back to these women and their families, break the cycle of exploitation, and inspire hope and health.”

What Phoenix Starfish Place Offers Survivors and their Children:

15 safe and fully furnished apartments.

Health and recovery services to help them heal.

Support to help rebuild their lives.

Why it matters:

About 3,000 women a year are sex trafficked in Maricopa County.

Most come to Starfish Place from shelters or temporary housing.

Funding helps them find safe places to live so they can rebuild their lives.

AZ Blue Health Choice is proud to partner with Phoenix Starfish Place to keep helping families heal and grow.

ABOUT BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA

Blue Cross ® Blue Shield ® of Arizona (AZ Blue) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a mission to inspire health and make it easy, AZ Blue offers health insurance and related services to more than 2 million customers. AZ Blue, a non-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company and its subsidiaries employ more than 3,200 people in its Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson offices. To learn more, visit azblue.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.

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To Help Survivors of Sex Trafficking: AZ Blue Partners with Phoenix Starfish Place