New AZ Biomedical Research Commission Kick-off
You might remember that the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission was transferred to the ADHS last legislative session. We officially became responsible for the Commission in July of 2011. My first priorities were to get a clear analysis of the “books” (e.g. the financial records etc.), get a handle on the outstanding research projects that the Commission had been funding, transition the [...]
Doctor/Patient Density- Our Online Gap Analysis Map
In public health it’s good to know where the resources are – and where they're short. Our Health Systems Development team created an excellent online tool to help our partners keep track of resources -- to see where we have enough physicians and where we could use more. It also shows how much of an area is at the poverty level and [...]
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 [...]