KathrynWangsness

About Kathryn Wangsness

Kathryn Wangsness, MHA, is the Deputy Bureau Chief for the Bureau of State Laboratory Services (ASPHL) at the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Kathryn began her career at ADHS as a scientist in the Office of Chemistry performing testing on various samples. Since then, she has held roles as a Blood Alcohol consultant, Environmental Laboratory Certification Officer, Quality Assurance Officer and then Manager, and Office Chief of Support Services. In her current role, she leads the Offices of Chemistry, Laboratory Licensure and Certification, Support Services and Operations, and Environmental Health Epidemiology.

Staying cozy in your home this winter? Make sure radon isn’t an unexpected guest.

By |2025-01-21T09:52:06-07:00January 21st, 2025|General, Preparedness|

As we wind down from this holiday season, many of us can relate to the challenges of a surprise visit from unexpected guests. While some are welcome, others can be a bit more concerning. This National Radon Action Month, make sure that radon is not one of them! About radon Radon is a naturally occurring [...]

Working Together to Reduce Lead Exposure

By |2024-10-23T14:30:14-07:00October 23rd, 2024|General|

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 [...]

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Protecting Arizonans at every stage of life at the AZ State Health Lab

By |2024-01-19T14:59:05-07:00January 19th, 2024|General, Newborn Screening, Preparedness|

The Arizona State Public Health Laboratory protects you and your loved ones in ways you may not realize. In addition to licensure and certification services for laboratories across Arizona, the state lab tests air, food, water, and clinical samples for a murderer’s row of public health threats, including tuberculosis, heavy metal toxins, pesticides, and radioactive [...]

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

By |2023-09-27T11:00:07-07:00September 27th, 2023|Preparedness|

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 of  their lives. Through ADHS, Arizona is one [...]

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

By |2023-09-22T14:54:54-07:00September 22nd, 2023|General, Preparedness|

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 Arizona State Public Health Laboratory in early 2021, right in [...]

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