GRADEing Studies & Evidence
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 to figure out the actual [...]
The Scientific Literature Gradient
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 (and the UA) turned [...]
Prescription Painkiller Forum
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 increasingly urgent public health issue. About 30% [...]
Accolades
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, "an impeccable advocate for substance [...]
Recovery Works Newsletter
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.
New AZ Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Website
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 to maintain. Several new pages [...]