Hub & Spoke Telemedicine
Back in 2006 we funded a web based "hub and spoke" telemedicine system with tobacco tax funds to link up small rural and undeserved hospitals with a Primary Stroke Center (Mayo Clinic Arizona) which can give expert advice on how to best treat acute stroke patients at the rural hospitals (also called spoke hospitals). We’re very interested in leveraging this technology [...]
What’s Happening in Behavioral Health
The Acting Deputy Director of Behavioral Health gives a great overview of the Division and its mission in his blog today. Take a look and bookmark the site for future news.
Rules Rollin’ Along
Our regulatory reform effort in Licensing is rolling along. We’ve already held rules work group meetings with representatives from behavioral health inpatient and residential facilities and are incorporating the Stakeholder comments into our next iteration of our draft rules. In November, we’ll start holding rules work group meetings with representatives from behavioral health outpatient settings. This’ll truly represent an integration effort since [...]
To helmet or not?
Cooler temperatures have many people looking for new adventures, even in the high country. Cycling is fun for the entire family, but it’s important to be as safe as possible. Knowing the rules of the road is important, but so is personal protection – like helmets. Injuries to the head are the most common among cyclists who end up dying. [...]
Working Together
I've written many times about how important it is that we work with our partners to protect the health and safety of the people of Arizona. It’s our responsibility to take advantage of opportunities to teach and practice what we preach. It’s nice when someone outside acknowledges when someone goes above and beyond which is just what one of our [...]
Worksite Wellness- a Critical Public Health Lever
Chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes cause 70% of deaths in the US these days… absorbing 75% of the $2.5T spent on annual medical care costs. When it comes to employee healthcare expenses- the indirect costs of poor health like absenteeism, disability, and reduced work output can be several times higher than direct medical costs. In fact, productivity losses [...]