This WRAP‑EM webinar unpacks how Arizona’s Resource Equity & Access Coordination Hub (AZ REACH) evolved from the Arizona Surge Line to a standing capability that any eligible hospital can call for one‑stop transfer coordination. Leaders from AZ REACH and the Arizona Department of Health Services detail the mission‑control model, what’s in scope today, and how the hub can rapidly activate load‑leveling protocols during emergencies. 
 
What you’ll learn: 

• How a single‑call, statewide hub improves transfer efficiency and equity for IHS, PL 93‑638, and Critical Access Hospitals (24/7/365, voluntary and free to senders).

 • Real‑world performance: >19,000 requests and >17,000 transfers to date; ~1.5 hours median time to secure placement; ~3.3 hours median ED hold (call‑to‑depart). 

• Why near‑real‑time transfer data often outperforms bed‑counts for operational decision‑making and public‑health situational awareness.  

• Activation examples and readiness: pediatric surge expansion (2022–2023), hospital evacuation support, and the ability to turn on statewide load‑leveling.  

• Practical steps and pitfalls for building your own regional coordination hub (governance, staffing, data, scope, funding, and sustainability).  
 
Presenters: Charles Larsen, RN, MSN‑L, MBA; Erin Tams, MSHI; and Dr. Lisa Villarroel, MD, MPH, FAAFP.  
 

Acknowledgments

Hosted by the Western Regional Alliance for Pediatric Emergency Management (WRAP‑EM). Program partners and supporters recognized in the session include the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Phoenix Area Indian Health Service.  AZ REACH leadership (Charles Larsen and Erin Tams) and ADHS Chief Medical Officer Lisa Villarroel contributed to this webinar. 

WRAP‑EM is funded by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) under Award Number 6 U3REP190616. The views expressed are those of the presenters and do not necessarily represent the official views of ASPR or HHS.