ASU's efforts to improve health outcomes for Arizonans lauded by US congresswoman

July 10, 2026 - 01:53

Arizona State University's push to fix health care in the state earned high marks from a U.S. congresswoman this week. At the start of the ASU Congressional Dialogue Series on Wednesday morning, Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari joined the conversation as David Schwartz laid out the problem in blunt terms. He called the current health care system chaotic, complex, and confusing.

Schwartz, who serves as vice president of strategy and business development for ASU Health, did not stop at the criticism. He explained how those three Cs could be turned into something better. The university's approach focuses on cutting through the red tape and making care more accessible for everyday Arizonans. The goal is to take a system that often leaves people frustrated and reshape it into one that actually works.

The congresswoman applauded these efforts, noting that ASU is stepping up where other institutions have fallen short. She pointed to specific programs aimed at underserved communities and rural areas, where getting a doctor's appointment can be a major challenge. The university is training more health workers, using technology to reach patients at home, and partnering with local clinics to stretch resources further.

Ansari said this kind of work matters because it does not just talk about problems. It builds real solutions. For Arizonans who have struggled with high costs and long waits, the message from the event was clear: change is possible, and it is happening now.