National Increase in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted an increase in reported and confirmed Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) cases in 2018. AFM is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system causing a sudden onset of arm and/or leg weakness. AFM has a number of causes, including viruses, such as […]
International Infection Prevention Week
International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) occurs globally from October 14 – 20 and raises awareness of the role infection prevention plays in improving patient safety.
The 2018 theme, “Protecting Patients Everywhere,” emphasizes how keeping patients safe from infection is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re in a healthcare facility or in the community, there are […]
Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2018
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, gender, or socioeconomic background. It happens among married or not married couples, those who are dating, living together, and partners in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence comes in many forms. The abuse may be […]
Influenza is here and so is our new interactive dashboard!
The 2018–2019 influenza season has arrived in Arizona! Since the beginning of October, Arizona had 56 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza reported from 10 counties, compared to 16 cases typically seen at this time of year.
This means if you and your family have not been vaccinated for this season, now is the time. […]
We Must Stop Bullying
Thousands of Arizona kids will get bullied this month, and only 20-30 percent of those kids will report what happened to an adult. At the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), we are working to help kids stop bullying and share concerns with teachers and parents.
This week, our Must Stop Bullying […]
National Farm to School Month
October is National Farm to School Month. Schools and early care and education programs throughout Arizona are participating in the 2018 Farm Fresh Challenge sponsored by the Arizona Department of Education.
Participating sites are working to serve more products that are Arizona grown and raised. School garden celebration and other events are […]
Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S. became Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services in May 2015. Dr. Christ has served the agency for more than nine years. Among her many accomplishments at ADHS, Dr. Christ collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to develop strategic plans for infectious disease prevention and control including the Governor’s Council on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. She was involved in leading statewide efforts during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and worked with partners to find solutions to improve childhood vaccination programs. In 2012, Dr. Christ managed the development and implementation of 20 Articles of Arizona Administrative Code for Health Care Institutions allowing integration of physical and behavioral health services statewide. Dr. Christ obtained her master's degree in microbiology with an emphasis in molecular virology and public health. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Follow the Director on Twitter @DrCaraChrist.
