<img alt="" src="[BASEDOMAIN]/Client_Files/azblue/CM/System/mobilizeaz2-180x130.jpg">
Opioid and substance use has been an increasingly important topic, nationally and here in Arizona. And while this epidemic is all over the news, it&rsquo;s not just the headlines that get our attention. It&rsquo;s the effect addiction has on the lives of our friends, family, and coworkers.&nbsp; 
 
One in four Americans is directly impacted by opioid misuse according to the National Safety Council. Here in Arizona, there were 8,591 suspected opioid overdoses and 1,382 deaths from June 2017 through June 2018. The numbers go up every day.&nbsp; 
 
There are real people behind these numbers. It is their stories that inspired us here at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) to do more.&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>Through Mobilize AZ, we are investing $10 million dollars for the health and future of Arizona.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
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 <li>Our new website at <a href="http://www.MobilizeAZ.com" target="_blank">MobilizeAZ.com</a>, for example, is an education and information resource that everyone can use to get the facts about opioids, risks of misuse, treatment, and recovery. Free materials are available to download and share. 
 
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 <li>We will award millions of dollars through a new grant program to Arizona organizations and academic institutions in support of their work related to opioid and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. 
 
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 <li>And there are many more activities in the works.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
We invite you to join with us in turning the tide. Every Arizonan can make a difference&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s knowing the five things to help prevent misuse, asking for help, or supporting a loved one. 
 
Imagine our strength when we work together.
<a href="http://www.MobilizeAZ.com" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="[BASEDOMAIN]/Client_Files/azblue/CM/System/MobilizeAZ_logo.png" style="width: 300px; height: 75px; vertical-align: top;"></a>

Mobilize AZ: Turning the Tide Against the Opioid Epidemic

One in four Americans are directly impacted by opioid misuse according to the National Safety Council. Here in Arizona, there were 8,591 suspected opioid overdoses and 1,382 deaths from June 2017 and June 2018. The numbers go up every day.&nbsp;There are real people behind these numbers. It is their stories that inspired us here at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) to do more.&nbsp;