More than three years ago, COVID-19 emerged as a new respiratory infection never experienced before. Today, we know and understand COVID-19 infections better, and the once-unknown illness has become endemic not only in the U.S., but the world. Now that COVID-19 is a common respiratory illness, it is time to adjust our surveillance reports to [...]
The old adage “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” is also true for preparedness. As National Preparedness Month comes to a close, it’s a great time to make sure your family is prepared. Take the opportunity to prepare now before an emergency happens so [...]
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 [...]
Every year since 2010, Arizona parents have brought an average of 80,000 newborns into the world! And every year, health professionals at the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory test around 160,000 blood spot specimens to make sure those newborns have the best possible health at the start of their lives. Through ADHS, Arizona is one [...]
Last week ADHS, alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recognized Fungal Disease Awareness Week. The annual event focuses on the growing challenges surrounding the spread of infectious fungi across the United States. While many different types of fungal diseases call Arizona home, one of the most common is Valley fever. Valley fever [...]
When COVID-19 changed all of our lives in so many different ways, Adrian Fichter decided it was important to become part of the solution. A scientist with degrees in conservation biology and ecology, he became interested in public health as COVID-19 spread. He joined the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory in early 2021, right in [...]
For people able to get pregnant, it's important to think about your health now to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. One simple and effective way to protect your baby’s health is by getting 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. Last week was Folic Acid Awareness Week, reminding us of the importance of this [...]
Following the approval this week of a new COVID-19 vaccine by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's important for Arizona families to get updated on the newest guidance The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older get a new, updated vaccine for COVID-19, commonly referred to as the "updated monovalent [...]
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 [...]
Based on feedback we received from the public, we’ve made recommendations to the Governor’s Office and State Legislature for possible enhancements to programs at the Arizona State Hospital (ASH). In 2022, the Arizona State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1444, which required the Arizona State Hospital to develop a clinical improvement and human resource plan with [...]
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