Improving Antibiotic Stewardship in Arizona
The CDC estimates that antibiotic resistance is responsible for more than two million infections and 23,000 deaths each year in the United States. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are dedicated to promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials. Common antimicrobials are disinfectants and antiseptics, along with antibiotics. Effective use can lead to a decrease in patient illness and death, reduce the threat of [...]
Partners Come Together to Raise Awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease in Arizona
Our Bureau of Tobacco and Chronic Disease has joined forces with community partners to educate the public about Alzheimer's disease and the growing challenge in our state. We're starting a public awareness program called All In for Alzheimer's with our partners KTAR, the Alzheimer's Association, the Arizona Center on Aging, Hospice of the Valley, the Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, the Barrow [...]
Our Work to Improve Patient Safety Continues
Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) are infections that patients can get while receiving medical treatment for something else in a healthcare facility. These infections can have devastating emotional, financial, and medical consequences. The National Patient Safety Foundation reminds us of the importance of safe patient care. This year's United for Patient Safety Campaign focuses on making patient safety an everyday priority. [...]
Tuberculosis Cases Declining in Arizona and Nationwide
World TB Day is recognized every year on March 24th. In the United States, Tuberculosis (TB) remains under control; however continued work must be done to reach TB elimination. The newly released numbers from Arizona’s TB Control Program show a decrease of reported TB cases from 198 cases (2015) to 188 cases (2016). This is a case rate of approximately [...]
Statewide Partnerships Work to Reduce Traumatic Brain Injuries
More than 12 million people in the U.S. live with the effects of a traumatic brain injury, according the Brain Injury Association of America. A person with a severe brain injury may need to be hospitalized and have long term health issues that affect memory, learning, coordination and balance, speech, hearing, vision, and emotions. Most brain trauma is caused by [...]
Infectious Disease Outbreaks Down in 2015
Our Office of Infectious Disease Services has released their 2015 Infectious Disease Outbreak Summary Report, documenting outbreak detection, response, and reporting throughout Arizona. An outbreak is an unexpected increase in the number of people with the same disease at the same time or in the same place. The public health response to outbreaks is a team effort, utilizing knowledge, skills, and input from epidemiologists, [...]