Despite cooler temperatures right now, our heat season is right around the corner
Throughout the summer, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) will highlight info and share resources related to extreme heat safety and heat-related illnesses. Once the state begins to heat up, it can become dangerous quickly, and we plan to share relevant heat safety info regularly. We plan to share steps you can take to keep you and your loved [...]
We Are All Public Health and last week showed the ways our work impacts our communities year round
Last week we celebrated National Public Health Week with public messaging and social media, as well as internal workshops, brown bag opportunities, and an agency-wide virtual town hall. The American Public Health Association has recognized National Public Health Week for more than 25 years to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of public health professionals. The week also highlights the ongoing [...]
The OAR Line provides 24-hour help with opioids for families, individuals, and medical providers
People who use opioids, their loved ones, and the health care professionals treating them need multiple layers of support as we continue the fight against the ongoing opioid overdose epidemic. The Opioid Assistance and Referral Line, or OAR Line, is here to help everyone impacted by opioids. Medical experts offer patients, providers, and family members free opioid information, resources, and [...]
New campaign highlights the life-saving impact of naloxone in reversing an opioid overdose
How many lives could be saved if more people carried naloxone and were trained to recognize the signs of overdose? Many of us know and care about at least one person who has struggled with substance use disorder. Overdose statistics indicate that five people a day (more than 1,800 people each year) are dying from opioid overdose in Arizona. If [...]
New report shows need for action to prevent pregnancy-related deaths as numbers increase
New data collected and analyzed by the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Maternal Mortality Review Program shows that people of color are experiencing pregnancy-related deaths at a disproportionate rate in Arizona and that mental health supports are critically needed in our state. Findings in the report on maternal mortality paint a concerning picture of rising mortality rates among pregnant and [...]
Recent recommendations released support Gov. Hobbs’ response plan to address dangerous Arizona heat
Heat-related illnesses in Arizona have been trending upward since 2013. Preliminary syndromic surveillance data suggest 2023 had the most heat-related emergency room visits in the last decade. To better support Arizona through extreme heat as part of the Governor’s Executive Order on Extreme Heat Planning and Preparedness and Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan, the Arizona Department of Health Services is releasing [...]