Arizona’s agencies have gone above and beyond this year.
The women and men at these agencies demonstrated determination and perseverance in confronting the COVID-19 pandemic. They consistently adapted to new circumstances. They never stopped serving the people of Arizona. And they improved the way our state operates along the way.
Here are just a few success stories from Arizona’s agencies this year:
#1
By mid-May, we moved 15,000 state employees to remote work. That’s 45% of our entire workforce.
#2
The Industrial Commission of Arizona expanded their online options for customers and stakeholders. From online submittable forms to payment portals, the ICA helped make their processes more convenient for Arizonans and reduced the volume of foot traffic in their buildings.
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#3
The Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry quickly adjusted their infrastructure to make their facilities safe for all staff and inmates. They provided mass testing, constructed temporary barriers, distributed face coverings, and enhanced cleaning schedules – and they made all these changes expeditiously.
#4
In order to get Arizonans the unemployment insurance they need, the Department of Economic Security hired over 1,200 new team members and implemented new programs from scratch. Arizona was the first state to begin paying lost wages assistance, and DES has disbursed over $10 billion of unemployment benefits to more than two million people in need.
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#5
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System determined that over 66% of its workforce can successfully remain in a remote work environment indefinitely. This will allow AHCCCS to reduce its footprint by 50% and will result in over $1.2 million in annual savings.
#6
Of course, navigating through the pandemic wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable work of our state employees. Agencies like the Arizona Department of Administration and Arizona Game and Fish Department took the following actions to boost morale: they sent out regular email messages to their employees, thanking them for their work and updating them on administrative changes; they created videos that highlighted their employees’ exceptional work; and they delivered care packages to all their employees working remotely.
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#7
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality helped keep our most vulnerable populations safe by establishing waivers for motorists who were 65 years or older. This allowed our elderly population to waive their emissions test until it’s safe to go in person. ADEQ also developed enhanced safety protocols and a no-contact testing procedure for those getting an emissions test.
#8
After health guidelines recommended suspending in-person visits in March, the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections pivoted to video visitations so that youth could remain in contact with their families.
#9
The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services fully utilized their “Be Connected” program, which has provided additional support and resources for over 500,000 service members, veterans and their families. The “Be Connected” team assists our veterans and service members with needs such as financial assistance, VA benefits, behavioral health concerns and more.
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#10
Of course, our Department of Health Services (ADHS) has also been exceptional this year. They’ve worked overtime to help guide Arizona through this pandemic. They’ve developed and implemented a statewide testing infrastructure, helped our hospitals adapt to provide care to any Arizonan who needs it, expanded telehealth programs and launched informative public advertising campaigns.
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We want to thank ADHS, and all our outstanding agencies, for their work this year. You’ve helped Arizona weather the storm. And because of your efforts, we’re in a position to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.
Thank you,
Governor's Office
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