The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office determined that enough valid signatures were turned in to put “The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act” on the November 2 ballot as a voter initiative. Basically, if the Act were to pass and be certified, it would create a system so that “qualifying patients” could apply to dispense, use and [...]
Our Smoke Free Arizona team published our 3rd annual ADHS Smoke-Free Arizona Annual Report 2010 this week. The report found (just like last year) that compliance the law is excellent, thanks in large part to the common-sense approach that we took when implementing the act since 2007. Over the last year, the county health departments conducted [...]
As I’ve mentioned in previous updates, the service package for folks with serious mental illnesses that don’t qualify for our state Medicaid program (AHCCCS) is being reduced beginning July 1 because of budget reductions. As a result, it’s more important than ever to make sure that everybody that may qualify has the opportunity top get [...]
The federal government has committed to significant new funding for community health centers in the coming years. Nationally, about $13B will become available over the next 5 years for community health center expansion ($9.5B); facility improvement ($1.5B) and workforce development ($1.5B). This translates into about 7,000 to 10,000 new community health center sites nationally over [...]
This week I'm looking at what you are sure to hear a lot about in the coming three years. The CDC, led by Dr. Thomas Frieden, will be strategically addressing 5 "winnable battles" in public health. So far, I told you about Healthcare associated infections, childhood obesity and preventing smoking. We can make a difference [...]
It’s not just the Phoenix Suns that are hot; your backyard will be one of the hottest places on the globe for the next 4 months. The heat on the desert floor isn’t just a nuisance, it’s expensive & lethal. Do you know what to do to protect yourself and your family? Do you follow [...]
Next Tuesday is the Special Election for Proposition 100. It’s a 3-year, 1 cent sales tax that would benefit education, public safety and health services. According to Section 149 of the budget bill that was passed last session, “If proposition 100 is not approved by the voters at the May 18, 2010 special election, notwithstanding any [...]
We’ve come a long way since the days of institutionalization and separation from community, the stigma and bias associated with mental illness, but we're not where we need to be yet. Reducing the stigma and bias against those facing mental health challenges is a tall order, but it can be done. Efforts to increase public [...]
Back in 1999, a law was passed and signed (ARS § 36-449.01 36-449.02 36-449.03) that required ADHS to license and inspect abortion providers if they provide 5 or more first-trimester abortions in a month or if they provide any 2nd or 3rd trimester abortions as an abortion clinic. Hospitals were exempted. The Tucson Women’s Clinic sued the ADHS director [...]
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in Arizona, with 2,213 cases in 2006 (according to our Cancer Data Query System) But only about half the folks in Arizona take advantage of a simple screening test that can save their life. Last week, The Lancet published the first clinical trial that clearly demonstrates [...]
