The use of successful antiretroviral medicines in the 1990s was a game changer for HIV by reducing deaths. Now, it’s changing the game again. While the new med’s were originally developed to keep people living with HIV/AIDS healthier and alive longer- the new med’s are good enough to be used as a prevention method. Using [...]
Most of the applicants for medical marijuana registration certificates have been able to correct deficiencies in their applications… and 460 of the 486 applications we received are now complete. Five applications have been withdrawn, 3 have been denied, 15 are pending, and 3 are on the clock to respond to requests for additional information. The complete applications are [...]
The voter approved list of conditions that already qualify patients for an AZ Medical Marijuana Registration Card (with a doctor’s certification) includes any of the following: any chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition (or its treatment) that causes severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, severe and persistent muscle spasms, wasting, or seizures, cancer, glaucoma, HIV, Hepatitis [...]
As I mentioned in my previous post, scientific studies (e.g. experimental v. observational design) have different strengths and weaknesses. Sources of evidence range from case reports at the lower end to well-designed large randomized experimental clinical studies that minimize bias. Relying on poor quality evidence can lead to policy decisions that aren't in patients’ best interests- and it's super important [...]
Medicine and public health have relied on peer-reviewed published scientific literature to help guide progress in patient treatment and public health interventions for decades- even centuries. For example, when we did the fact-finding to inform our decision about whether to add the petitioned conditions to the list of disorders that qualify for AZ medical marijuana cards- [...]
We’re committed to reducing substance abuse in Arizona and we’re consistently reminding the public to get rid of old medication to reduce the number of unintentional poisonings. With more Arizonans dying every year from misuse and abuse of prescription painkillers than car crashes- it's more important than ever to educate health care providers... so we’re hosting a forum to discuss this [...]
Our own Dr. Laura Nelson was recognized for her outstanding leadership and skills as President of National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. Her service was rewarded at the annual conference for State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors where she received the presidents award for her work! While presenting the award, the president called Dr. Nelson, [...]
Check our our July Recovery WORKS Newsletter. It's full of excellent inspirational stories about Recovery and is a great source of news and other community information.
The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council finished it's website makeover this week at www.azdes.gov/ADDPC. One of our goals for the last couple of years has been to become a more efficient hub of information for folks with disabilities, their families and providers. The site uses something called an Ektron operating platform which is designed for ease of use, meaning it's easy [...]
SAMHSA put a great new resource from their Center for Integrated Health Solutions which helps prepare behavioral health provider organizations to become health homes by outlining the essential clinical features. It also displays examples of how behavioral health provider organizations are successfully implementing the clinical features of a health home around the country. Check it out.
