WIC program helping families navigate nationwide shortage of infant formula
As a mother of young children, my heart aches when I see parents and caregivers facing a nationwide shortage of infant formula. There can be an overwhelming amount of information related to the early stages of parenthood, and unpredictable situations like this can add extra stress. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes sure formula has proper nutrition for health [...]
Rising to the Challenge & Safe Surroundings: Honoring EMS and trauma workers
May is National Trauma Awareness Month, presenting an opportunity for each of us to recognize and appreciate the many people working to keep us safe. So does EMS Week, which will be from May 15-21. This year’s theme for National Trauma Awareness Month is “Safe Surroundings,” with a focus on preventing violence and promoting safety in our communities by reducing [...]
Celebrating National Women’s Health Week: Prioritizing your health
This week we celebrate National Women's Health Week. This annual celebration begins on Mother’s Day every year to encourage women to make their health a priority. Women are so often in the role of caring for others; it’s critical for us to focus on our own health, and National Women's Health Week nudges us to do just that. Women [...]
Social Equity Ownership Program rollout sets standard for the nation
Recently, 26 licenses were awarded under the Social Equity Ownership Program required by the voter-approved Proposition 207, which legalized adult-use marijuana in Arizona. Lasting less than three minutes, this live-streamed digital drawing might have made the process look easy. In fact, a great deal of thought and effort went into creating a successful program on the tight timeline required by [...]
Summer sun means protecting yourself against melanoma
Few things go together more than Arizona and sunshine. Yuma, Tucson, and Phoenix are among American cities with the most sunny days, but many places across our state see abundant sunshine. All that sun brings with it an increased risk of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer that is increasingly common in Arizona. From 2014 to 2018, Arizona saw [...]
State employees contribute every day to Arizona’s well-being
Today is Arizona State Employee Recognition Day, as proclaimed by Governor Doug Ducey. The governor’s proclamation notes that state employees contribute significantly to the well-being and quality of life for all Arizonans. It adds that state employees embody the “spirit of service” that helps make Arizona a one-of-a-kind place to live, work, and play. As interim director of ADHS, I [...]