Viral Hepatitis Summit in Phoenix
On September 17 we held the first ever Viral Hepatitis Summit sponsored by Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI). There were 85 healthcare personnel and public health professionals in attendance, including physicians, social workers, nurses and pharmacists from all over Arizona. Some of the topics included adhering to hepatitis B and C testing guidelines, accessing treatment for hepatitis C, and understanding treatment for hepatitis C [...]
Flu vaccine is here, and it’s better than last year’s
Last flu season was a rough one, mainly because the influenza A (H3) strain in the vaccine did not match the circulating A (H3) strain that was making most people sick. This season, CDC believes the strains in the vaccine will be a good match against the currently circulating strains and provide better protection. Although the flu vaccine is usually 50 to [...]
Monitoring Ends for Travelers from Liberia for Ebola
Throughout the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, local health departments in Arizona have worked with ADHS, CDC, and other federal partners to monitor travelers returning from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone for signs and symptoms of Ebola. Since October 17, local public health in Arizona has monitored more than 200 returning travelers. As disease prevention and control measures continue in West [...]
EMS Resuscitation Training Session a Success
As part of our on-going cardiac resuscitation quality improvement program, the Bureau of EMS and Trauma System along with the University of Arizona (UA) has made tremendous strides in saving lives by translating basic science advancements in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) research into action by emergency providers. The discoveries have led to important changes in national standards and spawned the enormous need to widely disseminate these [...]
Keeping Arizona’s Workforce Healthy
Occupational injuries and illnesses are significant but preventable public health problems, which can result in both healthcare and economic costs for workers and employers. We recently conducted an analysis using nationally recognized occupational health indicators in order to better understand Arizona’s occupational health successes and opportunities. The first Arizona Occupational Health Hazard Indicator Report was released this summer. The report contains workforce statistics, workplace [...]
Step It Up! Surgeon General’s Call to Action
Half of the adults in the United States are living with a chronic disease which includes heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death in the U.S. The way to reduce this trend may just be a step away. Step It Up! The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities recognizes [...]