Arizona Department of Health Services, Director’s Blog

Ensuring your family is prepared for an emergency can be simple with these Preparedness Month resources

The old adage “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” is also true for preparedness. As National Preparedness Month comes to a close, it’s a great time to make sure your family is prepared. 

By | September 29th, 2023|Preparedness|Comments Off on Ensuring your family is prepared for an emergency can be simple with these Preparedness Month resources

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

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 […]

By | September 27th, 2023|General, Prevention|Comments Off on Arizona families can continue to count on WIC services, even in the event of a federal government shutdown

Healthy start: ADHS Lab checks the health of Arizona’s newborns

Every year since 2010,  Arizona parents have brought an average of 80,000 newborns into the world! And every year, health professionals at the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory test around 160,000 blood spot specimens  to make sure those newborns have the best possible health at the start […]

By | September 27th, 2023|Preparedness|Comments Off on Healthy start: ADHS Lab checks the health of Arizona’s newborns

Reminding Arizonans to keep yourselves safe from dangerous fungi that can cause Valley fever

Last week ADHS, alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recognized Fungal Disease Awareness Week. The annual event focuses on the growing challenges surrounding the spread of infectious fungi across the United States. While many different types of fungal diseases call Arizona home, […]

By | September 25th, 2023|Preparedness|Comments Off on Reminding Arizonans to keep yourselves safe from dangerous fungi that can cause Valley fever

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

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

By | September 22nd, 2023|General, Preparedness|Comments Off on When COVID-19 hit, he joined the ADHS Laboratory to be part of the solution

Folic acid prevents birth defects and promotes a healthy pregnancy

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 […]

By | September 20th, 2023|General, Preparedness|Comments Off on Folic acid prevents birth defects and promotes a healthy pregnancy