General

Here you will find topics ranging from current events that affect public health in Arizona to overall information about the Arizona Department of Health Services

COVID-19 Data Dashboard updates: What’s changing & why

By |2023-10-03T14:10:46-07:00October 3rd, 2023|General|

More than three years ago, COVID-19 emerged as a new respiratory infection never experienced before. Today, we know and understand COVID-19 infections better, and the once-unknown illness has become endemic not only in the U.S., but the world.  Now that COVID-19 is a common respiratory illness, it is time to adjust our surveillance reports to [...]

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Arizona families can continue to count on WIC services, even in the event of a federal government shutdown

By |2023-09-27T16:42:42-07:00September 27th, 2023|General, Prevention|

We want to reassure Arizona families that the Arizona Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will continue to be open and available for them in the event of a federal government shutdown.  We know discussion of a possible shutdown can be concerning to those who rely on WIC benefits to feed their families, but ADHS [...]

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When COVID-19 hit, he joined the ADHS Laboratory to be part of the solution

By |2023-09-22T14:54:54-07:00September 22nd, 2023|General, Preparedness|

When COVID-19 changed all of our lives in so many different ways, Adrian Fichter decided it was important to become part of the solution. A scientist with degrees in conservation biology and ecology, he became interested in public health as COVID-19 spread. He joined the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory in early 2021, right in [...]

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Folic acid prevents birth defects and promotes a healthy pregnancy

By |2023-09-21T15:39:06-07:00September 20th, 2023|General, Preparedness|

For people able to get pregnant, it's important to think about your health now to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. One simple and effective way to protect your  baby’s health is by getting 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily.  Last week was Folic Acid Awareness Week, reminding us of the importance of this [...]

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ADHS proposes options to enhance services at the Arizona State Hospital, as required by recent bill

By |2023-09-08T14:20:47-07:00September 8th, 2023|Behavioral Health, General|

Based on feedback we received from the public, we’ve made recommendations to the Governor’s Office and State Legislature for possible enhancements to programs at the Arizona State Hospital (ASH). In 2022, the Arizona State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1444, which required the Arizona State Hospital to develop a clinical improvement and human resource plan with [...]

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The scorching heat continues as possible monsoons roll in, find resources to keep your family safe

By |2023-07-28T15:35:26-07:00July 28th, 2023|General, Preparedness|

While Arizona’s summer of record-breaking high temperatures and excessive heat warnings continue, we are also expecting to get a break with some rain soon.  Monsoon continues until the end of September, providing some relief with rain, but also posing its own hazards.   While many Arizonans may know the basics of summer safety like avoiding going [...]

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Staying safe in Arizona’s heat

By |2023-07-26T11:30:18-07:00July 25th, 2023|General, Preparedness, Prevention|

Arizona’s been experiencing record-breaking high temperatures and a slow-to-start monsoon season. We’ve seen Excessive Heat Warnings in every county and Phoenix specifically is experiencing a record- breaking summer, with more than 26 consecutive days of 110+ degree weather so far (and it’s only July!) It’s vital to stay cool and hydrated in this heat and [...]

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Improving access to birth control for Arizona patients: Making contraceptives available without a prescription at your local pharmacy

By |2023-07-06T17:08:27-07:00July 6th, 2023|General, Preparedness, Prevention|

This week rules were approved to allow Arizona patients 18 years old and older to access contraceptives at their local pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. A standing order allows pharmacists to provide patients with needed birth control including hormonal contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, and oral contraceptives.  Arizona joins more than 20 other states that have [...]

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Father’s Day gift for all men: A trip to the doctor

By |2023-06-16T10:19:31-07:00June 15th, 2023|General, Preparedness, Prevention|

For reasons that aren't always clear, men simply don't go to the doctor as often as women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women visit their healthcare provider 40% more often than men. That may be an explanation for what the Washington Post recently called a "silent crisis in men's health." Data [...]

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Free drinking water lead screening available for Arizona schools, child care facilities

By |2023-06-08T16:00:37-07:00June 8th, 2023|General, Preparedness|

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is offering free lead screening of drinking water fixtures and faucets for Arizona schools and child care facilities as part of a nationwide program that was established by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. ADHS received about [...]

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