Vital records are an essential part of public health and play a huge role in the lives of all Arizonans. The ADHS Bureau of Vital Records maintains and issues certified copies of birth and death certificates, among other essential records. Its work also ensures that our epidemiologists and disease experts get timely death registration information [...]
Some may have a preconceived image of security guards at major facilities. Perhaps they picture a person in a uniform sitting inside a booth, checking credentials as people come and go, or walking down long corridors looking for suspicious activity. But for 10-year officer Greg Herrera, and the others charged with providing security at the [...]
What happens when you combine the year's most-watched sporting event – the Super Bowl, and in Arizona no less – with the year's best-attended golf tournament: the WM Phoenix Open? In addition to an extended celebration, you get food – lots of it, at homes and events. Arizona hasn't seen a week like this since [...]
If you have a moderately or severely weakened immune system, it's more important than ever to have a COVID-19 action plan. The Food and Drug Administration recently announced that the therapeutic agent EVUSHELD is not currently authorized for emergency use in the U.S. This monoclonal antibody had been prescribed to people with moderately to severely [...]
Diabetes is a relentless disease that affects many families in Arizona and across the United States. A new report from ADHS explains just how much diabetes impacts our state's health care system and communities, and recommends ways to improve the health of Arizonans by reducing the burden of diabetes. With a goal of achieving health [...]
Across America, one baby in every 33 is born with a birth defect. In Arizona, that translates to about 2,400 children each year born with any of a number of diagnoses, including Down syndrome, heart defects, cleft lip and cleft palate, and spina bifida. Many causes of birth defects, such as changes in genes and [...]
Maternal health is a key priority at ADHS. During the week when we mark Maternal Health Awareness Day, I'm highlighting two recent initiatives aimed at improving the health of pregnant women, postpartum women, and newborns. One is a recent report summarizing data on maternal mortality related to mental health conditions and substance use disorder. It [...]
An abundance of snow no doubt has many Arizonans planning trips to the high country. If your family fun will include sledding, please take along some advice to play safely. The Arizona State Trauma Registry maintained by ADHS Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System recorded 40 sledding injuries between 2019 and 2021. And these are [...]
It's important for everyone to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccination. But all evidence points to an even greater need for older Arizonans to get the lifesaving protection offered by the current bivalent booster, which targets Omicron. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, highly effective, widely available, and free. That's one reason why we've launched a [...]
Before the first case of influenza was reported in the Flagstaff area this fall, public health researchers from ADHS and Coconino County Health and Human Services already knew it was coming. How? By testing wastewater for signs of influenza. Wastewater surveillance for signs of specific diseases is a new and growing tool for public health [...]
