Trash Your Stash V
Prescription drugs can be safe and effective at treating illnesses- but leftovers are also tempting for experimental teens- and the misuse of narcotic prescriptions is an increasingly urgent public health problem in Arizona. In fact, more than 1,100 Arizonans died from prescription drug poisoning from misuse and abuse last year- which is more than the number of Arizonans that die in [...]
Remembering Alan
Alan Oppenheim was an excellent leader and manager- but much more importantly- he was a really good person. He always cared about others and asked lots of questions about what was going on. He was a team player- he had everybody’s and the team’s best interests in mind… and was wholeheartedly committed to our mission of serving the folks of [...]
Implementing Our Strategic Plan- Prioritize and Address Public Health Risks
Our team from Environmental Health was in the Dewey-Humboldt area at their elementary school gym providing free blood lead tests for area kids. There's been some community concerns about possible lead poisoning in children because of the nearby Iron King Mine and a smelter that once operated in the area. Lead poisoning in AZ (we have about 300 cases per year) tends to be [...]
Implementing Our Strategic Plan- Address Public Health Workforce Needs
Dietitians are a core public health asset- and one in short supply to boot. We’re trying to do something about that shortage with our new “WIC Track” initiative. We’re partnering with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health Dietetic Internship to offer a "WIC Track” internship. It’s open to any eligible (have completed a Bachelor's degree in Dietetics) WIC employee that’s [...]
Implementing Our Strategic Plan- Prepare for and Respond to Public Health Emergencies
Over the past several months our Public Health Emergency Preparedness team has been integrating 2 big federal disaster preparedness grants- the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program from the CDC and the Hospital Preparedness Program from HHS. The initiative involves coordinating emergency planning between healthcare facilities, local public health departments, emergency management agencies, tribal partners and a whole slew of other [...]
Our Friend Alan
We learned some sad and shocking news this morning that Alan Oppenheim (our ADHS Acting Assistant Director for Licensing) passed away this weekend. Alan was an excellent leader and manager- but much more importantly- he was a really good person. He always cared about others and asked lots of questions about what was going on. Alan was a team player- [...]