Aurora Behavioral Health Hosts Phoenix Connect Fest

The community event brought over 40 health organizations together to offer services and screenings to Phoenix residents.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Health and Wellness

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring abstract hands holding a simplified building form, representing community mental health resource access. — Aurora Behavioral Health hosted Connect Fest in Phoenix, connecting residents with local health organizations to prepare for upcoming Medicaid changes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Aurora Behavioral Health hosted the Connect Fest near 59th Avenue and Peoria Avenue to improve access to mental health resources. The free public event connected residents directly with over 40 local health organizations.

Why it matters

Organizers held the event to help community members navigate upcoming changes to the Arizona Medicaid program occurring this fall. The gathering aimed to ensure that residents are aware of and prepared to access necessary care resources.

Connect Fest featured more than 40 health organizations providing information and health screenings. This large-scale effort represents a concentrated attempt to centralize behavioral health service access in one location.

The players

Aurora Behavioral Health

This organization provides comprehensive behavioral and mental health services to the community.

The details

Attendees were able to meet face-to-face with service providers and nonprofits to discuss their specific health needs. By gathering numerous organizations in one place, the event sought to simplify the process of finding specialized mental health support for the local Phoenix population.

Connect Fest occurred on October 16, 2026.
Changes to the Arizona Medicaid program are scheduled for fall 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This community outreach effort reflects a broader trend of health providers proactively addressing administrative transitions within state-run programs. By bridging the gap between policy changes like those to the Arizona Medicaid program and patient access, these events demonstrate a shift toward more direct, localized community engagement.

Residents can utilize these events to gain direct, free access to screenings and information regarding their healthcare benefits. These gatherings help individuals proactively manage their care transitions without navigating complex administrative systems alone.

The takeaway

Community health festivals provide a valuable opportunity to clarify complex policy changes directly with professionals. Residents are encouraged to seek out similar local resource fairs to stay informed about shifts in their specific healthcare coverage.