General – Page 3 – AZ Dept. of Health Services Director's Blog

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

General, Prevention

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

By Marlene Hernandez|2023-09-27T16:42:42-07:00September 27th, 2023|General, Prevention|

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 benefits to feed their families, but ADHS [...]

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

General, Preparedness

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

By Kathryn Wangsness|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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Folic acid prevents birth defects and promotes a healthy pregnancy
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Folic acid prevents birth defects and promotes a healthy pregnancy

General, Preparedness

Folic acid prevents birth defects and promotes a healthy pregnancy

By Celia Nabor|2023-09-21T15:39:06-07:00September 20th, 2023|General, Preparedness|

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 Acid Awareness Week, reminding us of the importance of this [...]

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ADHS proposes options to enhance services at the Arizona State Hospital, as required by recent bill
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ADHS proposes options to enhance services at the Arizona State Hospital, as required by recent bill

Behavioral Health, General

ADHS proposes options to enhance services at the Arizona State Hospital, as required by recent bill

By Mike Sheldon|2023-09-08T14:20:47-07:00September 8th, 2023|Behavioral Health, General|

Based on feedback we received from the public, we’ve made recommendations to the Governor’s Office and State Legislature for possible enhancements to programs at the Arizona State Hospital (ASH). In 2022, the Arizona State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1444, which required the Arizona State Hospital to develop a clinical improvement and human resource plan with [...]

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The scorching heat continues as possible monsoons roll in, find resources to keep your family safe
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The scorching heat continues as possible monsoons roll in, find resources to keep your family safe

General, Preparedness

The scorching heat continues as possible monsoons roll in, find resources to keep your family safe

By Sheila Sjolander|2023-07-28T15:35:26-07:00July 28th, 2023|General, Preparedness|

While Arizona’s summer of record-breaking high temperatures and excessive heat warnings continue, we are also expecting to get a break with some rain soon. Monsoon continues until the end of September, providing some relief with rain, but also posing its own hazards. While many Arizonans may know the basics of summer safety like avoiding going [...]

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Staying safe in Arizona’s heat
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Staying safe in Arizona’s heat

General, Preparedness, Prevention

Staying safe in Arizona’s heat

By Sheila Sjolander|2023-07-26T11:30:18-07:00July 25th, 2023|General, Preparedness, Prevention|

Arizona’s been experiencing record-breaking high temperatures and a slow-to-start monsoon season. We’ve seen Excessive Heat Warnings in every county and Phoenix specifically is experiencing a record- breaking summer, with more than 26 consecutive days of 110+ degree weather so far (and it’s only July!) It’s vital to stay cool and hydrated in this heat and [...]

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Improving access to birth control for Arizona patients: Making contraceptives available without a prescription at your local pharmacy
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Improving access to birth control for Arizona patients: Making contraceptives available without a prescription at your local pharmacy

General, Preparedness, Prevention

Improving access to birth control for Arizona patients: Making contraceptives available without a prescription at your local pharmacy

By Celia Nabor|2023-07-06T17:08:27-07:00July 6th, 2023|General, Preparedness, Prevention|

This week rules were approved to allow Arizona patients 18 years old and older to access contraceptives at their local pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. A standing order allows pharmacists to provide patients with needed birth control including hormonal contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, and oral contraceptives. Arizona joins more than 20 other states that have [...]

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Father’s Day gift for all men: A trip to the doctor
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Father’s Day gift for all men: A trip to the doctor

General, Preparedness, Prevention

Father’s Day gift for all men: A trip to the doctor

By Eugene Livar|2023-06-16T10:19:31-07:00June 15th, 2023|General, Preparedness, Prevention|

For reasons that aren't always clear, men simply don't go to the doctor as often as women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women visit their healthcare provider 40% more often than men. That may be an explanation for what the Washington Post recently called a "silent crisis in men's health." Data [...]

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Free drinking water lead screening available for Arizona schools, child care facilities
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Free drinking water lead screening available for Arizona schools, child care facilities

General, Preparedness

Free drinking water lead screening available for Arizona schools, child care facilities

By Eugene Livar|2023-06-08T16:00:37-07:00June 8th, 2023|General, Preparedness|

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is offering free lead screening of drinking water fixtures and faucets for Arizona schools and child care facilities as part of a nationwide program that was established by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. ADHS received about [...]

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National Nurses Month: ASH provides opportunities for nurses to grow
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National Nurses Month: ASH provides opportunities for nurses to grow

Behavioral Health, General

National Nurses Month: ASH provides opportunities for nurses to grow

By Mike Sheldon|2023-05-31T10:23:03-07:00May 31st, 2023|Behavioral Health, General|

Sheila Holmen always had a calling to be a nurse. "I knew that I wanted to be a nurse at a very young age," said Holmen, a psychiatric nurse at the Arizona State Hospital (ASH). "It's not something that I can really explain or understand, it is just something that's inside of you. I had [...]

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