The Arizona Newborn Screening Program screens more than 80,000 babies for a panel of 29 disorders annually. Although babies born with these disorders may appear to be normal at birth, with time the disorder may have a devastating or lethal effect on the infant’s health and development. Early screening, detection, and quick treatment of these [...]
March 24 is World TB Day, which is an opportunity for us to reflect not only on our progress towards tuberculosis (TB) elimination in Arizona, but on the history of what World TB Day stands for globally. World TB Day was established as a reminder that TB is still a public health threat. TB is an eradicable disease that continues to be the [...]
Fewer Arizona children are overweight or obese because of strides in nutrition and physical activity programs sponsored by the Arizona Department of Health Services and the work of partners and programs around the state. The percentage of children two- to five- years old who were overweight or obese in the Arizona WIC Program has fallen [...]
Fatality Management is one of our Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant capabilities. On Wednesday, March 11th, ADHS hosted a Mass Fatality Workshop and Tabletop Exercise. The key strategic outcomes for mass fatality planning at ADHS are to Prepare Public and Healthcare Systems for All Hazards Responses, Improve Community Resiliency, Maximize Public Health and Health Care [...]
Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care established a special hotline 1-800-203-CARE (2273) for the public after two unconnected shootings in the Valley. People can also visit www.crisisnetwork.org for resources. The Crisis Response System in Maricopa County is built to provide care to anyone whether they are in the public behavioral health system. People who are emotionally [...]
In 1999 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Laboratory Response Network (LRN). The LRN’s purpose is to run a network of labs that can respond to biological and chemical threats, and other public health emergencies. The LRN has grown since its inception. It now includes state and local public health, veterinary, [...]
This month, the FDA endorsed the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) recommendations for the 2015-2016 Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine. It may seem early to think about next year’s flu season when this season is just winding down; however, flu vaccine development and production takes about 6 months. So it is important to start now in order [...]
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women in Arizona. Cancer can be detected early through a screening test, like a colonoscopy or an at-home test, when patient outcomes can be most impacted. The Arizona Department of Health Services, along with organizations throughout the U.S., has taken the [...]
The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a mobile app this morning to help primary care and behavioral health providers identify suicide risk among patients. Suicide Safe is available for Apple and Android phones and tablets. A webinar explaining the technology will happen at 12:30 today. The event is full at this point, but a [...]
Tobacco use is responsible for thousands of deaths in Arizona every year – more than 8,000 according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Secondhand smoke also takes a toll on the health of those exposed. Eliminating the danger of secondhand smoke is a big part of the Smoke Free Arizona voter initiative. Passed in 2006, [...]
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