More pregnant women in Arizona now have a safe place to heal and prepare for motherhood. A new program gives Arizona moms in recovery a second chance by expanding care for women recovering from substance use disorder, by providing housing, medical and mental health care, and job training to help them build a better future. 

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Thanks to a $700,000 donation from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice, Roya Health Foundation has opened a home to give pregnant women in recovery a safe place to stay. The program will provide free housing as they improve their health, learn parenting skills, and seek steady employment. 

“Recovery isn’t just about treatment, it’s about a second chance,” said Dr. Heather Carter, Medicaid Segment General Manager and Health Choice of Arizona CEO. “By working with Roya Health, we are making sure these women have the support they need to move forward.” 

How This Program Helps Arizona Moms 

• Safe housing  

• Regular checkups  

• Counseling and mental health support  

• Job training  

• Childbirth and parenting classes  

Why This Matters 

• 1 in 5 Arizona moms do not get the prenatal care they need. 

• Many pregnant women in recovery do not have stable housing. 

• Early care can prevent birth complications and improve long-term health. 

For John McNeal, Chief of Staff for Roya Health, this is about more than just medical care, it’s about giving women hope. 

“These homes will give women a safe space to focus on their health, rebuild their lives, and prepare for their baby’s future,” he said. 

“For many, this kind of support has already changed lives. Women in similar programs have gone on to reconnect with family, find jobs, and create stable homes.” 

Dr. Sara Salek, Chief Medical Officer for Roya Health, says early care can change everything.  

“The most critical time to impact the health of the human trajectory is prenatally and in early childhood, forming secure attachments and self-regulation that carryover into a healthy adulthood,” she said. 

AZ Blue Health Choice is proud to support Roya Health and the work they do to help Arizona moms rebuild their lives. To learn more about Roya Health and their program, visit: https://www.roya.health/