U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Banner Health on April 8 to tour the health system’s prevention and early disease detection programs in Arizona.
The visit highlights federal interest in approaches that focus on keeping communities healthy through preventive care, rather than only treating illness after it occurs. Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the country, operating facilities across several states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming according to the official website.
During his visit at the Banner Sports Medicine High Performance Center in Scottsdale, Kennedy toured mobile screening units such as the BIG Pink Bus for mammography and a pediatric Healthmobile clinic that deliver preventive services directly into underserved areas. He met with Banner leadership to discuss how their integrated nonprofit model invests resources into community health initiatives like senior wellness programs and children’s fitness activities.
“Thank you, Amy Perry, and the entire Banner Health team, for leading the way in prevention and delivering care directly to the communities that need it most,” said Secretary Kennedy. “When we prioritize prevention, detect disease early, and confront the root causes of illness before they take hold, providers can drive a fundamental shift—from a reactive sick-care system to a true health care system that will Make America Healthy Again.”
Banner reports significant outcomes from these efforts: colorectal cancer screenings have increased by 114% while blood pressure checks among Medicaid members have risen more than 1,100%. Amy Perry, president and chief executive officer of Banner Health said: “As a nonprofit health system, every dollar we earn is invested into our care, services, technology, talent and communities.” She continued: “Our mobile screening programs and prevention initiatives demonstrate how we’re pioneering a sustainable approach to American health care that reduces overall health spending by catching diseases early and keeping people healthy and empowered. We believe this integrated model of prevention and community health investment can serve as a blueprint for health systems across the nation.”
Banner’s outreach includes nearly 1,000 women screened for breast cancer since May 2024 through its mobile mammography unit—18% were first-time screeners—and pediatric clinics serving over 3,000 uninsured children annually with primary care services.
Banner Health provides substantial community benefits through its nonprofit activities according to its official website. The organization aims to simplify healthcare so life can be better—a mission reflected throughout its operations across six states according to information from its newsroom.
