Arizona Makes Progress in Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections
Earlier this month, CDC released the 2018 National and State Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Progress Report based on National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) data. NHSN is the nation’s most widely used HAI surveillance system by facilities, states, regions, quality groups, and national public health agencies including CDC. This annual report provides an update on previous reports, detailing state and national progress [...]
ADHS Has Several Programs that Aim to Improve Birth Outcomes
Every year the March of Dimes releases grades based on the National Center for Health Statistics data to calculate preterm birth rates. Arizona received a “C+” grade in the 2019 Premature Birth Report Card, an improvement from last year’s report when Arizona received a “C” grade. The report further highlights disparities across racial and ethnic groups and states that in [...]
Maternal Fatalities & Morbidity Advisory Committee to Hold Public Hearing on October 30
Loss of a woman during pregnancy, at delivery, or soon after delivery is devastating. Arizona has been making great strides this year in its efforts to tackle the rates of maternal morbidity and mortality throughout Arizona. One of those actions was the passage of Senate Bill 1040 that established an Advisory Committee on Maternal Fatalities and Morbidity. The objective of [...]
It’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week-Get Your Child Tested
Each year, we join the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other partners to promote awareness of lead poisoning. Our Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program got a head start on National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by spending a morning at Phoenix Children’s Hospital speaking to clinicians [...]
We’re Celebrating International Infection Prevention Week
International Infection Prevention Week occurs globally from October 13 - 19 to raise awareness of healthcare-associated infections. Healthcare-associated infections are infections people can get while receiving health care for another condition. This year’s theme is “Vaccines are Everybody’s Business” and highlights the important role that vaccines play in preventing infections from spreading and protecting public health. To stop germs from infecting [...]
CDC Releases the 2018 Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) have surged for a fifth consecutive year, reaching an all-time high nationwide. What is most concerning is the rise in syphilis, which has led to multiple stillbirths and many more babies spending their first 10 days of their life hospitalized for syphilis treatment. Last year, Arizona reported 61 cases of syphilis in babies. Sadly, these cases [...]