Native American Heritage Month celebrates Arizona’s earliest residents and their vast history
November is Native American Heritage Month and we are recognizing the contributions of our staff and the efforts made by ADHS to positively impact the health of our tribal members. Efforts to establish a formal date recognizing the contributions, achievements, sacrifices, and cultural and historical legacy of Native Americans have spanned decades. The work began in the early 1900s by [...]
The Reality of Child Fatality in Arizona and the Vital Role of Arizona Child Fatality Review Program
The death of a child is a devastating tragedy, forever changing a family and the community. This week, the Arizona Department of Health Services published the Thirtieth Annual Child Fatality Review Program (CFRP) report, which explores recommendations aimed at averting preventable deaths. This year marks three decades since the inception of the Arizona Child Fatality Review Program (CFRP). The report [...]
The benefits of quitting commercial tobacco begin almost immediately
Today is the Great American Smokeout, an event that happens on the third Thursday of each November to encourage those who smoke to start their journey toward a smoke-free life. In the 15 years since voters approved the Smoke Free AZ Act, Arizona has made significant progress in the battle to reduce commercial tobacco use and improve public health in [...]
Protect Those Who Protect You – Promoting safety on our roadways
This is Crash Responder Safety Week and this year’s theme is Protect Those who Protect You! It is everyone’s responsibility to be safe on our roadways and our first responders are dedicated to that mission. Every minute of every day, law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services, public works, transportation, towing, and other responders work to make roadways safe [...]
Coccidioidomycosis – don’t learn the spelling, just the symptoms and learn how to prevent it this Valley Fever Awareness Week!
Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) caused by coccidioides immitis fungal spores. 3d rendered banner on blue background showing fungal filaments. Valley Fever Awareness Week begins today. Taking steps to stay safe from Valley fever (also called coccidioidomycosis) is especially important in Arizona, where the fungus that causes the lung infection grows naturally in the soil. Two-thirds of all Valley fever [...]
New Trauma Dashboards Reveal Top Causes of Trauma Injury and Death in Arizona, Opportunities for Prevention
Editor's note: Information in this blog about the causes of child injury and death have been updated. Each year, the State Trauma Advisory Board collaborates with the ADHS Bureau of EMS and Trauma System (BEMSTS) to publish a report summarizing injury and trauma mortality in Arizona. This year, there are two new resources to share as part of the State [...]