New Cigarette Warning Labels launched today
Today the FDA released the new, graphic warning labels that will be on cigarette packs. The labels educate smokers and others, including kids, about the dangers of tobacco use and encourage smokers to quit. Using this proven techique, the U.S. joins 43 other countries that already require pictures or images on cigarette packs. The warning labels encourage smokers to try to [...]
National Public Health Prevention Plan Released
The national Public Health Prevention Plan was released last week, with a clear emphasis on the critical contributors to health. The 4 broad strategic directions for the plan are: Building healthy and safe community environments, Expanding quality preventive services in both clinical and community settings, Empowering people to make healthy choices, and Eliminating health disparities. This groundbreaking plan emphasizes a Public [...]
Sir, You are Served
There’ve been 3 lawsuits filed against the Department in the last few days. On June 10th, the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission filed suit against the state (including me) to stop the enactment of the portion of SB1615, which transfers the Commission to ADHS next month. We have someone from the Attorney General’s office working on this case. We expect there [...]
Monument & Wallow Wildfire Responses
The center of gravity for the public health responses to the fires shifted South this week toward the new Monument fire. Early this week folks were allowed to go back to Springerville and Eagar, which meant that it was show-time for Licensing again. We sent a team of surveyors to re-open the licensed facilities that were evacuated last week. All went well and everybody [...]
National Men’s Health Week is Here
Men’s Health Week focuses on male specific diseases such as prostate cancer and men's wellness in general, including mental health issues and accident prevention. Many people think of their fathers this time of year - but men should at least make a commitment to themselves and their families to pay better attention to health and commit to age appropriate screenings.
Behavioral Health Facility Rules Overhaul: Step 1
We kicked off Step 1 of our long-awaited overhaul of the behavioral health facility licensing requirements this week. A new law passed last legislative session charges us with facilitating “licensure of integrated health programs that provide both behavioral and physical health services." The new law tells us to adopt rules relating to construction, equipment, sanitation, staffing for medical, nursing and [...]