Today is Arizona State Employee Recognition Day, as proclaimed by Governor Doug Ducey. The governor’s proclamation notes that state employees contribute significantly to the well-being and quality of life for all Arizonans. It adds that state employees embody the “spirit of service” that helps make Arizona a one-of-a-kind place to live, work, and play. As [...]
A recent ADHS news release featured our joint effort to reduce tobacco use among members of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) through ASHLine.org, the Arizona Smokers’ HelpLine. It features three campaigns stemming from focus group research with AHCCCS members. Their message was clear: Positive, supportive messages are the most effective way to [...]
I recently had the privilege of joining an AARP Arizona virtual town hall to discuss COVID-19 vaccines and, more importantly, why seniors should update their protection by following booster recommendations. Cases and deaths in Arizona have dropped significantly since the January peak, but COVID-19 is still active and infecting people. A large percentage of seniors [...]
Do you remember when you got your last COVID-19 vaccination? If it has been more than five months since you completed your primary vaccination series, it’s time for you to get your booster. You may be eligible even sooner depending which vaccine you received. If you are over the age of 50 and received your [...]
For many of us, it almost felt like everything else stopped when COVID-19 arrived in U.S. more than two years ago. For those working in the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory operated by ADHS, efforts related to the pandemic were added to the critical diagnostic work they perform every day. During Medical Laboratory Professionals Week [...]
Vaccinated against COVID-19? Great. Boosted on top of your COVID-19 vaccination? Even better. Our report on COVID-19 outcomes by vaccination status, which now includes data for March, shows that compared to individuals who were fully vaccinated with a booster, unvaccinated people ages 12 and older had: 4.3 times the risk of testing positive for COVID-19; [...]
Though cases are down dramatically from the January spike driven by the Omicron variant, COVID-19 remains with us. Vaccines and boosters continue to offer robust protection against severe outcomes, and I want to call attention once again to the availability of antiviral treatments. Initially reserved for the most vulnerable because of limited supplies, the antiviral [...]
Spring brings with it many beautiful things. Wildflowers. Blooms on saguaro cactus. Warmer weather in mountainous areas that have been cold and snowy during the winter. Spring and summer also give rise to mosquitoes. That calls for some care when you get out to enjoy the flowers and great weather, and when you tend to [...]
Championed by Governor Doug Ducey, the Arizona Management System challenges state agencies to continuously improve their value to taxpayers and our other customers. That’s why ADHS is pleased to share a recent improvement to the way we interact with licensed child care providers – and how the public will benefit from increased transparency as a [...]
During the disruptions of the past two years, it has been challenging for almost everyone to stay on schedule with vaccinations. This is especially true for new parents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that newborns be protected from 14 serious childhood diseases by receiving vaccines according to a carefully designed schedule. [...]
