Cara M. Christ

/Cara Christ

About Cara Christ

Cara M. Christ, MD, Director Arizona Department of Health Services

Several Statewide Programs Working to Reduce Sexual Assaults

By | April 19th, 2017|Prevention|

Although sexual assault can be an uncomfortable topic, not talking about it is worse. Without open discussion regarding this social and public health issue, some people cannot understand how often it happens. The impact of being a victim of sexual assault can have long term effects on the life of a victim psychologically and/or physically [...]

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Blazing Frontiers: A Successful 2017 Arizona Public Cord Blood Conference

By | April 18th, 2017|Preparedness|

On April 13, the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission and the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix held the Second Annual Arizona Cord Blood Conference: Blazing Frontiers. The Arizona Public Cord Blood Program was created to advance the collection of and increase the number of cord blood units available for transplantation. Umbilical cord blood, [...]

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Next week is National Infant Immunization Week
 

By | April 17th, 2017|Preparedness|

April 22 through 29 is National Infant Immunization Week, an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases.  During that week we also celebrate the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities throughout the United States. Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing [...]

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Goodyear Community Health Park Development

By | April 13th, 2017|Prevention|

I am delighted to share an amazing example of a successful public-private partnership in Goodyear that showcases how to develop a healthy community through design of the physical environment. The partnership is launching the Community Health Park and has created new web pages to provide updates on the park's progress. This project is consistent with [...]

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Public Health Emergency Preparedness Work Highlighted by CDC

By | April 12th, 2017|Preparedness|

Since 2002, the CDC public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement has provided funding to health departments in Arizona for the advancement of our capacity to respond to a range of public health threats. The PHEP annual funds support staff on the ground in state, county, and tribal communities who assist with preparedness and response [...]

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Join Us in the Fight Against Viral Hepatitis

By | April 11th, 2017|Preparedness|

In the United States, there are more than five million people living with chronic viral hepatitis and over 50,000 new infections each year of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Many people don't know they are infected. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is often caused by the hepatitis A, B, or C virus. [...]

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National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day

By | April 10th, 2017|Prevention|

Today, our department joins organizations nationwide to observe National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day. This event was established in 2013 to support young people living with HIV, promote HIV education and awareness, and encourage youth to get tested. Nationally, the CDC estimates that 51% of youth 13 to 24 who have HIV aren't aware they [...]

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Keeping the Public Healthy Through Safe Food Practices

By | April 7th, 2017|Preparedness|

Note: This week is National Public Health Week. This week I have a five-part public health series that explores the vast network of programs and services that help improve the health and wellness of all Arizonans.  Our Epidemiology and Disease Control team plays a huge role in monitoring food safety and tracking the spread of [...]

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Extreme Weather Impacts Public Health

By | April 6th, 2017|Preparedness|

Note: This week is National Public Health Week. This week I have a five-part public health series that explores the vast network of programs and services that help improve the health and wellness of all Arizonans.  Arizona is a diverse state with a wide range of weather. This can lead to extreme heat in the [...]

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Healthy Decisions Make for a Healthier Life

By | April 5th, 2017|Prevention|

Note: This week is National Public Health Week. This week I have a five-part public health series that explores the vast network of programs and services that help improve the health and wellness of all Arizonans.  We have several public awareness campaigns and resources that help Arizonans in making decisions that positively affect their health. [...]

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