Working Together to Reduce Lead Exposure
This week, from October 20-26, we are celebrating National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) and National Chemistry Week (NCW). In recognition of these important events, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is proud to spotlight the collaboration between the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) and the Public Health Chemistry Department at the State Laboratory Services. Together, they are [...]
Move the Needle on Infection Prevention
This week marks the annual International Infection Prevention Week and the 2024 theme is “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention.” From families at home to healthcare professionals, we can all play a role in reducing infections. Here are steps you can take to help reduce your risk: 1. Make Hand Hygiene Your First Line of Defense Hand washing with soap [...]
From Newborn Screening to Lifelong Support: Arizona’s Role in Sickle Cell Awareness
Although September has come to an end, we're excited to announce that both The White House and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs have officially recognized September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month! These proclamations emphasize the importance of raising awareness and addressing sickle cell disease (SCD), especially in Arizona. Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that causes red blood cells to [...]
ADHS Highlights Local Community Health Worker Partnership This Respiratory Season
As we enter respiratory illness season, ADHS is increasing awareness on how to prevent contracting a respiratory virus. ADHS works hard to ensure all communities know which tools are available to prevent respiratory illnesses. One way we do this is through our partnership with community health workers. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who are trusted members [...]
Breastfeeding: Rebuilding the Circle of Support
In August, we celebrated National Breastfeeding Month along with countless others across the nation. All year long we focus our efforts on sharing evidence-based breastfeeding education and resources with families and the professionals who support them. You can find a wealth of information on our ADHS breastfeeding support website at GoBreastmilk.org. There, we answer questions for a wide range of [...]
Our Partners at the American Red Cross are Keeping Communities Safe this Summer
We are thrilled to have Edgar Olivo as our guest blogger today, to talk about how to protect our communities this summer and beyond. How do we ensure the safety and well-being of our communities during extreme heat events? Extreme heat is the leading weather-related hazard in the United States. According to the National Weather Service, heat causes more deaths [...]