Surviving Triple Digits in Arizona
In Arizona it doesn’t have to be summer for the temperatures to soar. With the first 100 degree day in Phoenix today, we know the scorching heat is right around the corner. High outdoor temperatures aren’t just an inconvenience; they’re dangerous. Heat is the number one killer weather-related cause of death in Arizona and across the country. In 2013, there [...]
Grant Funding Helps Homeless Across Arizona
At the end of March, the men’s overflow shelter closed in downtown Phoenix. The shelter housed up to 350 homeless men at full capacity. The city condemned the building for asbestos. We’re one of many community partners responding to the housing needs of vulnerable people in Arizona. Our permanent supportive housing program will provide an additional 425 housing units this [...]
Vaccine Exemptions – Turning the Tide?
Vaccines are scientifically proven to be the best way to prevent the spread of many communicable diseases. Yet, through the last decade, Arizona along with the rest of the country has seen an increase in the number of families choosing not to vaccinate their children. A recent outbreak that started at Disneyland created a firestorm of interest in vaccinations, especially since it produced the [...]
Community Paramedicine Survey Results Coming Soon
The Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Trauma System recently surveyed nearly 200 EMS agencies across the state to determine (1) whether they had or intended to begin a community paramedicine program, (2) if so, which medical conditions they intend to focus on and (3) what type of services they intend to provide. The data is still being collected, but [...]
Title V Priority Setting Meeting
Our Women’s and Children’s Health team administers the federal maternal Child Health Block Grant. This grant is authorized through Title V of the Social Security Act and has been in place since 1935. Every 5 years we look at the health and well-being of Arizona’s women and children and develop our top priorities based on identified needs. We’re been working [...]
Blood Lead Screening Project to Identify at Risk Children
In Arizona more than 800 children each year are identified with elevated blood lead levels (EBLL). Even at low blood lead levels, children’s intelligence, behavior, hearing and growth can be irreparably damaged. Most children will not have any symptoms. The only way to detect lead poisoning is through a blood test. All children living in high risk zip codes should [...]