Update to Arizona Health Improvement Plan Published
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is excited to announce we have published the 2019 Update to the Arizona Health Improvement Plan (AzHIP). The purpose of the AzHIP is to describe how ADHS and our community partners are working together to improve the health and wellness […]
Tenth Anniversary of Arizona Infectious Disease Training and Exercise
At the end of June, we hosted our 10th annual Arizona Infectious Disease Training and Exercise (AZID 2019), where about 400 partners from a wide variety of organizations joined together to learn and share about best practices and current infectious disease trends in Arizona and surrounding […]
Record High West Nile Virus Activity in Arizona
Think it’s too hot for mosquitoes? Think again! Arizona is home to several mosquito species, including the Culex species that can carry West Nile virus and Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. West Nile virus causes symptoms in about 20% of infected people, which can range from fever, headaches, and body aches, to more […]
ADHS Awarded CDC Grant to Support the Arizona Maternal Mortality Review Committee
The birth of a child is a joyous time of new beginnings and experiences. Tragically, nearly 700 women die each year in the United States as a result of complications during pregnancy or delivery. The loss of a woman during pregnancy, at delivery, or soon after delivery is devastating.
This tragic […]
Stay Safe in the Summer Heat Safety
Our agency serves a vital role in protecting its residents and visitors against the summer heat. Arizona’s high temperatures increase the risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In 2018, Arizona hospitals had nearly 3,000 emergency department visits for heat-related cases. Additionally, each year we see an average of
Monsoon Safety Page Launched
The Arizona monsoon season is in effect. We can expect strong winds, dust storms, heavy rain, flooding, and other extreme weather hazards to be the norm during this time of year. ADHS recognizes the many health threats that come with the monsoon season. To prepare for these hazards, ADHS brought together […]
Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S. became Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services in May 2015. Dr. Christ has served the agency for more than nine years. Among her many accomplishments at ADHS, Dr. Christ collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to develop strategic plans for infectious disease prevention and control including the Governor’s Council on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. She was involved in leading statewide efforts during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and worked with partners to find solutions to improve childhood vaccination programs. In 2012, Dr. Christ managed the development and implementation of 20 Articles of Arizona Administrative Code for Health Care Institutions allowing integration of physical and behavioral health services statewide. Dr. Christ obtained her master's degree in microbiology with an emphasis in molecular virology and public health. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Follow the Director on Twitter @DrCaraChrist.
