Prevention – Page 2 – AZ Dept. of Health Services Director's Blog

Topics here will include issues that fall into the Prevention Division of the agency, which include – as the name implies – programs that help prevent disease in our state. You will find information about chronic diseases (cancer, heart health, breathing disorders) as well as tobacco use prevention. This area also includes education about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Women, Infant and Children programs; both USDA programs that help provide nutrition to lower income residents.

Arizona’s Ongoing Fight Against Fentanyl and Overdose Fatalities
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Arizona’s Ongoing Fight Against Fentanyl and Overdose Fatalities

General, Prevention

Arizona’s Ongoing Fight Against Fentanyl and Overdose Fatalities

By Celia Nabor|2024-01-12T14:31:43-07:00January 12th, 2024|General, Prevention|

The state of Arizona, along with the rest of the nation, is confronting a troubling surge in opioid-related overdose deaths, with illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids playing a pivotal role. The Arizona Department of Health Services recently published the Opioid Overdoses Surveillance Report, Arizona, 2022. The latest available data unveils a complex scenario demanding [...]

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Finding her purpose and maintaining a positive mindset entering a new space
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Finding her purpose and maintaining a positive mindset entering a new space

General, Prevention

Finding her purpose and maintaining a positive mindset entering a new space

By Jennie Cunico|2023-11-27T15:16:07-07:00November 24th, 2023|General, Prevention|

ADHS continues to celebrate Native American Heritage Month by highlighting ADHS Team Member, and Tribal Liaison, Geri Haskon. Gerline was appointed to the role earlier this year. Although she is new to her role, advocating for tribal health has been a lifelong journey and career for Geri. She works to exemplify the traditional teachings passed [...]

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The benefits of quitting commercial tobacco begin almost immediately
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The benefits of quitting commercial tobacco begin almost immediately

General, Prevention

The benefits of quitting commercial tobacco begin almost immediately

By Celia Nabor|2023-11-16T12:44:03-07:00November 16th, 2023|General, Prevention|

Today is the Great American Smokeout, an event that happens on the third Thursday of each November to encourage those who smoke to start their journey toward a smoke-free life. In the 15 years since voters approved the Smoke Free AZ Act, Arizona has made significant progress in the battle to reduce commercial tobacco use [...]

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

Preparedness, Prevention

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

By Marlene Hernandez|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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Get screened this Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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Get screened this Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Preparedness, Prevention

Get screened this Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Celia Nabor|2023-10-26T14:30:15-07:00October 26th, 2023|Preparedness, Prevention|

Breast Cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Arizona. In 2020, more than 5,000 women in Arizona received a breast cancer diagnosis. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we are here to help you learn more about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, what to expect during a screening, [...]

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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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Resources are available to help students and adults facing tough times
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Resources are available to help students and adults facing tough times

Prevention

Resources are available to help students and adults facing tough times

By Celia Nabor|2023-09-12T15:47:12-07:00September 12th, 2023|Prevention|

Now that school is in full swing across the state and kids start to settle into their routines, it is important for family and friends to be aware of warning signs in kids that might require some extra attention. Recent cases of suicide in adolescents, which while heartbreaking, should serve as a way to show [...]

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The power of supportive relationships for youth experiencing unstable and unsafe home environments
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The power of supportive relationships for youth experiencing unstable and unsafe home environments

Prevention

The power of supportive relationships for youth experiencing unstable and unsafe home environments

By Celia Nabor|2023-08-01T13:35:43-07:00August 1st, 2023|Prevention|

Childhood experiences like abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction - also called Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs - can have a lasting impact on children’s and adolescent health and well-being. The good news is that having people who care about them, including friends, school staff, and other adult mentors, can help lessen the negative effects of [...]

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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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