Strategic Planning for Weather Emergencies
Arizonans are no strangers to weather emergencies. Weather reports of extreme heat, flash flooding, wildfires, dust storms, and monsoon storms are frequent during our summer months. During our winter months, some of our higher elevation counties experience cold and snow hazards. As mentioned recently during National Public Health Week, extreme weather impacts public health. Our agency routinely works with local, state, and federal partners to coordinate emergency preparedness efforts to minimize [...]
May is Trauma Awareness Month
Our state’s trauma system is comprised of dedicated healthcare professionals delivering compassionate, quality care across 42 state-designated trauma centers (hospitals specializing in trauma care), 200+ emergency medical services agencies, and countless other first responders and heroic bystanders – all serving as a critical link in the trauma chain of survival for tens of thousands of injured Arizonans each year. This [...]
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month
Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, the most common types being hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. More than five million Americans have chronic hepatitis B or C infections and about 75% of those infected are unaware. Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation. [...]
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: 20 Years and Counting
Hantavirus was first discovered in 1993 in the Four Corners region of the United States—an area shared by Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. The disease is carried by many types of rodents, including the deer mouse. People can be exposed to hantavirus by breathing in infected particles from rodent urine or droppings, as well as through direct contact with [...]
Buckeye Fire-Medical-Rescue Department Earns Statewide Recognition
The Buckeye Fire-Medical-Rescue Department recently became Arizona’s fourth emergency medical services (EMS) agency to successfully obtain ADHS Treat & Refer (T&R) EMS Agency recognition. Arizona's T&R Recognition Program recognizes EMS agencies that have demonstrated optimal patient safety and quality of care by matching appropriate treatment, transport, and care destination options to the needs of the patient. The T&R Recognition [...]
Arizona Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Starts Data Collection
The Arizona Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) started its first data collection cycle last month. PRAMS is a joint research project between our agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that collects data on maternal attitudes and experiences before, during, and after pregnancy. Every month, Arizona PRAMS will mail a questionnaire packet to around 200 randomly chosen new [...]