Dispatching Saves Lives
The American Heart Association published a scientific advisory statement this week which underscores the crucial importance 9-1-1 dispatchers can play in the “Chain of Survival” for cardiac arrest. As is often the case- we were ahead of the curve. Long before this new policy statement came out, we began implementing a bold, statewide program aimed at both training dispatchers in [...]
Building the AZ Health Care Workforce: The National Health Service Corps
Our Health Systems Development shop just got a new workforce recruitment and retention grant from the National Health Service Corps to improve the number of healthcare providers that practice where we have shortages (technically called underserved areas). The Corps offers medical, dental, and behavioral health providers the opportunity to repay their student loan debts in exchange for serving Arizona’s underserved [...]
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Update
With the recent ruling in Maricopa Superior Court, ADHS is analyzing the best way to responsibly begin accepting applications for medical marijuana dispensaries. Last week, the Governor instructed ADHS to proceed with the dispensary portion of the AMMA. One of the stumbling blocks was the pending Compassion First vs. Arizona case, which challenged some of ADHS’ rules for prospective [...]
Improving Opportunities for Folks with Developmental Disabilities
Accessibility, advocacy and jobs are the focus of the grants given by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council this year. The DDPC found 8 projects that will help the community with creating an accessible transportation system, educate folks about the Legal Options Manual and how to use it, work to train people as Partners in Policy Making, and secure a [...]
Keeping Families Together in Emergencies
Families often get split up when there is an emergency– but they shouldn’t have to split up at a shelter. ADHS, along with the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council and other partners, found a way to reduce that problem. Using CDC grant funds, we purchased special equipment that will let people with functional needs stay in any emergency shelter. The [...]
New Debilitating Medical Condition Applications
The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (36-2801.01) directs us to accept and review applications to add new debilitating medical conditions that qualify folks to hold patient registration cards. We outlined the requirements and review procedures in the Rules we adopted (R9-17-106)- which say that we’ll accept applications every January and July. We’re planning to accept applications during the last week of January (January 23-27th). [...]