When COVID-19 hit, he joined the ADHS Laboratory to be part of the solution
When COVID-19 changed all of our lives in so many different ways, Adrian Fichter decided it was important to become part of the solution. A scientist with degrees in conservation biology and ecology, he became interested in public health as COVID-19 spread. He joined the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory in early 2021, right in the middle of the COVID-19 [...]
Folic acid prevents birth defects and promotes a healthy pregnancy
For people able to get pregnant, it's important to think about your health now to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. One simple and effective way to protect your baby’s health is by getting 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. Last week was Folic Acid Awareness Week, reminding us of the importance of this nutrient during pregnancy. You can [...]
New COVID-19 vaccine has been approved: What it means for respiratory illness season and what it means for you and your family
Following the approval this week of a new COVID-19 vaccine by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's important for Arizona families to get updated on the newest guidance The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older get a new, updated vaccine for COVID-19, commonly referred to as the "updated monovalent vaccine." It’s also safe to [...]
Resources are available to help students and adults facing tough times
Now that school is in full swing across the state and kids start to settle into their routines, it is important for family and friends to be aware of warning signs in kids that might require some extra attention. Recent cases of suicide in adolescents, which while heartbreaking, should serve as a way to show there is even more of [...]
ADHS proposes options to enhance services at the Arizona State Hospital, as required by recent bill
Based on feedback we received from the public, we’ve made recommendations to the Governor’s Office and State Legislature for possible enhancements to programs at the Arizona State Hospital (ASH). In 2022, the Arizona State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1444, which required the Arizona State Hospital to develop a clinical improvement and human resource plan with recommendations for potential expansion and [...]
West Nile Virus Season Isn’t Over Yet
Arizona’s hot and dry summer appears to have contributed to fewer virus-carrying mosquitoes than usual so far. However, the monsoon season isn’t over yet, as last night’s storms proved. It’s important to continue thinking about mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus (WNV) as we will likely see an increase in infected mosquitoes. Checking your yard for standing water and dumping [...]