World AIDS Day Recognizes Progress Made to End the Epidemic
Today the Arizona Department of Health Services join all Arizonans in the recognition of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day was established in 1988 as opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who have passed. This year, we also have reason to celebrate. Many people [...]
Cough? Fever? Exhausted? You could have Valley Fever
All it takes is one breath. An estimated 150,000 people are infected each year in the U.S. by the fungus that causes valley fever (coccidioidomycosis). The fungus is mostly found in the Southwest with nearly two-thirds of all nationally reported cases residing in Arizona. Arizonans in every county are affected by valley fever year-round. Our newly released annual report shows that in 2016, there [...]
Vital Records Staff Participate in National Adoption Day
National Adoption Day, which took place this year on Nov.18, is an annual event held to raise awareness for more than 100,000 foster-care children nationwide who are waiting to find their forever families. Adoptions for hundreds of children are finalized on this special day. This year 261 children were adopted in Maricopa County. Our Bureau of Vital Records Birth Registry Team has [...]
Informatics Improves Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance
Informatics is the science behind storing, accessing, and sharing information, a critical component to public health practice. Public health organizations, such as ADHS face challenges collecting and analyzing data related to the health of a population and managing this data in the most efficient and effective ways. The ability to store and analyze data allows public health programs to make evidence-based [...]
Tips for Visiting Friends and Loved Ones in Long-term Care and Assisted Living Facilities During the Holidays
During the holiday season our thoughts often turn to visiting friends or loved ones in long-term care and assisted living facilities. The visits, while strongly recommended by those involved in health care and aging, are sometimes very emotional. We recommend that Arizonans who visit relatives or friends during the holidays should first plan ahead to make their visits rewarding for [...]