The 22nd annual Valley Fever Awareness Week is from November 16th to the 24th. This event focuses on spreading public awareness of coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, across Arizona. Valley fever is a lung infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides, which grows in the arid desert soil. When heated, the fungus may fragment and be picked [...]
Right now, there is an increase in cases of Pertussis occurring across the United States including Arizona. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium bordetella pertussis. While whooping cough affects people of all ages, it can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children. So far [...]
Although trick-or-treating is a fun tradition for kids, it does come with a higher risk for injury. Statistics from non-profit organization Safe Kids Worldwide show that children are 3.5 times more likely to be fatally injured by a motor vehicle on Halloween compared to an average day. However, there are simple things we all can [...]
This year, the State Trauma Advisory Board celebrates 30 years of oversight, expansion, and quality improvement within the Arizona trauma system. Each year, the State Trauma Advisory Board collaborates with the ADHS Bureau of EMS and Trauma System to publish an annual report and interactive online Trauma Dashboard that provides a comprehensive picture of the [...]
This week, from October 20-26, we are celebrating National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) and National Chemistry Week (NCW). In recognition of these important events, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is proud to spotlight the collaboration between the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) and the Public Health Chemistry Department at the State [...]
This week marks the annual International Infection Prevention Week and the 2024 theme is “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention.” From families at home to healthcare professionals, we can all play a role in reducing infections. Here are steps you can take to help reduce your risk: 1. Make Hand Hygiene Your First Line of [...]
Although September has come to an end, we're excited to announce that both The White House and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs have officially recognized September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month! These proclamations emphasize the importance of raising awareness and addressing sickle cell disease (SCD), especially in Arizona. Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that [...]
As we enter respiratory illness season, ADHS is increasing awareness on how to prevent contracting a respiratory virus. ADHS works hard to ensure all communities know which tools are available to prevent respiratory illnesses. One way we do this is through our partnership with community health workers. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline public health [...]
In August, we celebrated National Breastfeeding Month along with countless others across the nation. All year long we focus our efforts on sharing evidence-based breastfeeding education and resources with families and the professionals who support them. You can find a wealth of information on our ADHS breastfeeding support website at GoBreastmilk.org. There, we answer questions [...]
We are thrilled to have Edgar Olivo as our guest blogger today, to talk about how to protect our communities this summer and beyond. How do we ensure the safety and well-being of our communities during extreme heat events? Extreme heat is the leading weather-related hazard in the United States. According to the National Weather [...]
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