Preparedness

Items in the Preparedness category will cover everything from Emergency Medical Services to vaccination programs. This division at ADHS tracks contagious disease, coordinates emergency preparedness activity, licenses EMTs and Paramedics, regulates ambulance companies, authorizes special hospital designations like cardiac care center and Level IV trauma center, issues birth and death certificates, and tracks critical health data through various sources including hospital discharge information.

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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Radon can be a silent killer. Protect yourself and your loved ones by testing your home.

By |2024-01-18T16:02:48-07:00January 18th, 2024|General, Preparedness|

Changes to your housing can be exciting and sometimes stressful life events.  Whether you’re moving into a new home, doing renovations, evaluating your home’s current condition, or selling it, there’s one important action item you should include on your to-do list: testing your house’s radon levels.   Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that [...]

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HIV Surveillance 2023 Annual Report

By |2023-12-14T15:34:29-07:00December 13th, 2023|Preparedness|

New HIV cases increased over the past year and so has access to services for those who need them. The rise in cases follows a dip in newly diagnosed cases due to reduced testing during COVID-19 lockdowns and mitigation measures. The HIV Surveillance program’s latest Annual Report shows there were 975 new cases in 2022 [...]

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Make sure your holiday feast is safe for friends and family

By |2023-12-07T13:58:19-07:00December 7th, 2023|Preparedness|

During this holiday season, you may celebrate with family and friends over a meal or two. If you’re the person cooking that feast, your loved ones are counting on you for more than a delicious meal. They're counting on you to keep health and safety in mind as you create your culinary delights. The American [...]

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The best present this holiday season? A flu shot

By |2023-12-06T15:31:33-07:00December 6th, 2023|Preparedness|

If you're like most people, you've been busy the past few months. Fall is such a busy time for many people, and now we're in the middle of the holiday season and all its activities. It's understandable if you haven't had the chance to get your annual flu shot. But there's still time. In fact, [...]

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ADHS’ Wastewater Testing Detects Pathogens Early on to Protect Arizonans

By |2023-12-05T22:04:26-07:00December 5th, 2023|Preparedness|

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, one key challenge was getting an accurate picture of COVID-19 infection rates in communities, especially for people who had COVID-19 but weren’t experiencing symptoms.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) to get better visibility into infection rates and [...]

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Marijuana product recalls: Here’s how they happen

By |2023-11-28T16:10:55-07:00November 28th, 2023|Licensing, Preparedness|

More than 10 years ago, Arizonans voted to approve the implementation of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Program. In 2020, the program expanded with the passing of Prop 207, allowing for the adult recreational use of marijuana. There are now many dispensaries and adult-use facilities statewide, where adults above the age of 21 can purchase marijuana [...]

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Coccidioidomycosis – don’t learn the spelling, just the symptoms and learn how to prevent it this Valley Fever Awareness Week!

By |2023-11-08T09:31:03-07:00November 8th, 2023|General, Preparedness|

Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) caused by coccidioides immitis fungal spores. 3d rendered banner on blue background showing fungal filaments. Valley Fever Awareness Week begins today. Taking steps to stay safe from Valley fever (also called coccidioidomycosis) is especially important in Arizona, where the fungus that causes the lung infection grows naturally in the soil.  [...]

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New Trauma Dashboards Reveal Top Causes of Trauma Injury and Death in Arizona, Opportunities for Prevention

By |2023-10-31T12:02:43-07:00October 30th, 2023|Preparedness|

Editor's note: Information in this blog about the causes of child injury and death have been updated. Each year, the State Trauma Advisory Board collaborates with the ADHS Bureau of EMS and Trauma System (BEMSTS) to publish a report summarizing injury and trauma mortality in Arizona.  This year, there are two new resources to share [...]

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‘Teal pumpkins’ offer a safe space for kids with allergies

By |2023-10-27T12:53:41-07:00October 27th, 2023|Preparedness, Prevention|

Halloween is next week and you are probably making those last minute adjustments to your costumes and decorations in anticipation of trick-or-treaters and the activities and events this spooky season brings. It’s also important to ensure the safety of your family while celebrating, like making sure you are visible to cars when it’s dark outside, [...]

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Arizona Department of Health Services

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