Public News Service

AZ senator: Many liberties at stake ahead of election

Abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, gun-violence and democracy itself are some of the issues Democrats said are at stake ahead of November's election. Sen…

The 988 Lifeline accepts calls, texts, and chats from anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health or substance use crisis, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. (Adobe Stock)

AZ's mental health crisis system ensures response, but can improve accountability

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number provides an alternative to 911 for Arizonans experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency…

HIV continues to have a disproportionate impact on certain populations, particularly racial and ethnic minorities and gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. (Adobe Stock)

'Know your status' on National HIV Testing Day

More than a million people live with HIV in the United States, and more than 18,000 of them call Arizona home. Today, on National HIV Testing Day…

The difference between age-adjusted non-cardiac mortality rates for the overall population in rural and urban areas grew from being 6% higher in rural areas than urban areas in 1999 to 20% higher in rural areas than urban areas in 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Mortality rates in rural Arizona have experts concerned

By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public…

Artificial intelligence has recently been used to facilitate the diagnosis of acute stroke, by automatically detecting intracranial hemorrhage on noncontrast computed tomography scans of the head. (Adobe Stock)

AI could help detect stroke, AZ cardiologist says

Artificial intelligence seems to be quite the hot-button issue these days but an Arizona cardiologist contended the technology could be useful in even…

David Coon designs and evaluates interventions for families and caregivers of adults with chronic illnesses, including dementia, cancer and depression. (Arizona State University)

AZ Alzheimer’s Consortium shares advances in diagnosis, treatment

The 2024 Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium Public Conference kicks off Saturday, where industry experts and researchers will share the latest scientific …

Some 60% of Arizona voters consider themselves pro-choice rather than anti-abortion, according to the grassroots organization Indivisible. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Supreme Court reinstates 160-year-old, near-total abortion ban

On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld an 1864 ban on nearly all abortions, except in situations when it is necessary to save the life of a …

Vasectomy procedures are 99.9% effective and take less than 30 minutes, according to Planned Parenthood Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

AZ sees increased demand for vasectomies post-Roe

Planned Parenthood Arizona is expanding vasectomy services to its Central Phoenix health center, a year after it launched a similar program in Tucson…

About 12.9 million people received health coverage under both Medicare and Medicaid in 2021, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

More AZ seniors could qualify for dual-eligible special-needs plans

Arizona is one of the states with the highest percentage of eligible seniors enrolled in dual-use special-needs plans but there is a push to get even …

Almost 50% of Arizona adults believe abortion should be legal

AZ pro-choice advocates secure signatures for 2024 ballot measure

Pro-choice advocates in Arizona said they have surpassed the threshold of required signatures to put a measure on the November ballot which would add …

The Arizona PIRG report says while it's a positive step that certain states have taken the lead in eliminating or curbing so-called 'facility fees,' they can and should do more. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Arizonans should be cautious with facility fees

A new report from the Arizona PIRG Education Fund finds that Arizonans are getting hit with what are known as facility fees, leading to higher costs …

Federal physical activity guidelines call for 150 minutes or more of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week for adults, or a combination of the two. (Adobe Stock)

Getting more Arizonans moving to improve physical, mental health

Almost one in four Arizona adults report getting no physical activity or exercise other than on their jobs. An event in Phoenix this Saturday…

The types of products recalled most were children's sleepwear, small vehicles such as ATVs and golf carts, toys, infant sleep products, furniture and small kitchen appliances. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Recall announcements up 10% from 2022

A new report found recalls, warnings and penalties for consumer products all increased last year. The recalls led to 550 injuries, 15 deaths and as …

Maricopa County's latest report says 71% of heat-related deaths last year occurred on days with an excessive heat warning. (Adobe Stock)

Higher heat-related fatalities prompt warnings for Arizonans

Summer will be here before you know it, and experts say now is the time to get prepared for Arizona's scorching and life-threatening temperatures…

COVID-19 is still one of the leading causes of death in Arizona, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

CDC updates COVID guidelines, stunning some health advocates

About four years ago, COVID-19 started to put the world on pause. Now, new guidlines are giving some Arizonans pause. Across the country, many who …

Less than half of adults said they consider the right to contraception a

AZ Democrats rally for contraception access

Last week, Gov. Katie Hobbs called on the state Legislature to pass a law to guarantee women the right to contraception. Making birth control a …

Nearly four in 10 people taking four or more prescription drugs say they have difficulty affording their prescriptions, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Democrats announce plan to fight rising drug costs

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs recently unveiled a plan to fight the rising costs of prescription drugs in the Grand Canyon State. Senate Bill 1533 would …

Women are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander. Barriers include fear of legal ramifications and accusations of inappropriate touching, according to the American Heart Association. (Adobe Stock)

Health experts call for Arizonans to learn hands-only CPR

Today is the first day of American Heart Month - and one Arizona cardiology nurse practitioner wants to shed light on the importance of good heart hea…

The EPA estimates by 2045, the clean truck rule could result in up to 2,900 fewer premature deaths and 6,700 fewer hospital admissions and emergency room visits. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

AZ leaders advocate for 'clean truck' standards

Arizona leaders and community members rallied late last week to urge support for the Environmental Protection Agency's clean truck standards for heavy…

Influenza symptoms include fever of at least 100� F., a cough and sore throat, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. (Adobe Stock)

ASU nursing expert provides tips to stay healthy during 'tripledemic'

It is the time of year again where it seems many Arizonans are getting sick. State data show flu and RSV cases are on the rise in the Grand Canyon …

Researchers have found humble people cooperate with others and avoid exploiting them even when the opportunity presents itself. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

ASU researcher prescribes dose of humility for medical professionals

A researcher at Arizona State University is shedding light on the importance of humility within the medical field. Barret Michalec, research …

The inefficient engines in gasoline-powered lawn equipment can emit as much pollution in an hour as driving hundreds of miles in a typical car, according to the report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Why Arizonans should switch to electric lawn equipment

Arizonans who transition to cleaner electric-powered lawn and garden equipment can help mitigate the noise as well as the harmful fumes produced from …

More than 1,675 bills and resolutions were introduced in Arizona's 2023 legislative session.(Adobe Stock)

ACLU of AZ seeks to support access to abortion

The ACLU of Arizona was successful in defeating 93% of the bills it opposed during Arizona's last legislative session, which the group claims makes …

There were eight major insurance companies offering health policies to individuals and families in Arizona during plan year 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Make smart health coverage choices during open enrollment

The open enrollment period for health insurance can seem daunting to many Arizonans, so experts recommend starting sooner rather than later to do …

This year, more than 160,000 men will learn they have prostate cancer, according to the American Urological Association. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Doctor Explains What You Need to Know About Prostate Health

The Arizona Department of Health Services said prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form among men. The month of September is about raising …

Among consumers with medical debt, 16% of Black adults report a disproportionate amount of such debt, compared to 9% of white adults, according to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund. (Adobe Stock)

Medical Bills: Understanding Them and Patient Rights Can Save You Big

Medical care is expensive and continues to get more costly. Many people in Arizona only become aware of this after they get a bill for their care…

Arizona fue uno de los cinco primeros estados en iniciar el proceso de

Expertos en salud advierten que niños de AZ podrían perder cobertura de Medicaid

La lista de verificación para el regreso a clases de los padres en Arizona podría incluir una doble comprobación para asegurar que sus …

Arizona was one of the first five states to start the

Health Experts Warn AZ Children Could Lose Medicaid Coverage

Parents' back-to-school checklist in Arizona might include double-checking to make sure their children still have health insurance. Arizona was one …

Many Gen Zers have indicated their first step in managing behavioral health challenges was going to TikTok or Reddit for advice from the young people. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

Cross-Generational Talk Urged to Tackle Gen Z's Mental-Health Worries

One doctor of behavioral health and licensed professional counselor in Arizona said he has found 'Gen Zers,' those born after 1996, are not only …

Dental Therapists Could Fill Dental-Health 'Gap' in AZ

Since last month, dental therapists can apply for licenses to practice in Arizona, and some believe they'll play a critical role in a state full of …

Arizona state and city leaders and lawmakers tour several cooling centers in Maricopa County. (Kevin Bushaw)

AZ Faith Leaders Call for Better Heat Response

Intense heat is nothing new for Arizona summers, but the state has been enduring a record heat wave for a number of weeks. The Arizona Faith …

Earlier this month, Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., joined their Senate colleagues to reintroduce the Right to Contraception Act. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed AZ Bill Could Codify Birth Control Access

Days prior to the first anniversary of Roe v. Wade being overturned, Gov. Katie Hobbs and Rep. Athena Salman, D-Tempe, announced plans to introduce …

There are an estimated 150 skilled nursing facilities in Arizona, according to AARP Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Sounds Alarm on Abuse, Neglect in AZ Senior Living Facilities

Senior living facilities in Arizona struggle with issues ranging from neglect of residents to violence, staffing shortages and low wages for workers…

According to the Food and Drug Administration, more than 2.5 million high- and middle-school students currently use e-cigarettes, and almost 85% of them used flavored e-cigarettes. (Adobe Stock)

FDA Cracks Down on Vape Products; Experts Say More Action Needed

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced several actions in an effort to crack down on illegal, flavored, disposable vape products which …

The report states only a quarter of American adults are meeting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidance for physical activity: getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise and two days of muscle strengthening per week. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ Cities Rank Low for Park Access

A new report from the Trust for Public Land looked at the 100 most populated cities around the country, and found those with the highest …

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, child care workers make less than workers in 98% of the nation's other professions, with a median annual pay of just under $29,000. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Arizona Ranks Poorly in Overall Child Well-Being

New data ranks Arizona 39th in the country for overall child well-being. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2023 Kids Count Data Book…

The report also found that in 2021, 5.6 million adults ages 65 and older lived in poverty, a 10% increase since 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ Ranks 30th for Health Status of Older Adults

Arizona has received an overall rank of 30th in the nation for the health and well-being of older adults in the state. According to the United …

Every 80 seconds, the American Heart Association says, cardiovascular disease kills one woman. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Mom Warns of Signs During American Stroke Month

May is National Stroke Month, and one young Arizona mom wants to share her experience to let Arizonans know stroke can happen to anyone and at any …

Arizonans can text their ZIP code to 438829 to find a nearby location to get the COVID-19 vaccine. (Adobe Stock)

Three Years Later, COVID Concerns Remain in Arizona

Arizona experienced the highest adjusted death rate in the United States as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report. The …

A new American Hospital Association report says labor costs -- which, on average, account for about half of a hospital's total budget -- increased 20.8% between 2019 and 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Hospitals Struggle Amid Mounting Financial Pressure

A new report sheds light on what it calls the "mounting financial pressures" hospitals in Arizona and across the country are facing; pressures it said…

According to the American Heart Association, children in low-income households consume two and a half times more sugary drinks than their peers in higher-income households. (Adobe Stock)

AZ School District Prioritizes Water Access for Students

Two school districts in Arizona are working to improve water access for students. Tolleson Elementary and Cartwright Elementary school districts …

According to the American Heart Association, more than 40% of Hispanic adults experience obesity. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Cardiologist Weighs In on Health Disparities Among Minorities

New research suggests Hispanic people born in the United States may be at higher risk for multiple chronic diseases than their counterparts born in ot…

The American Lung Association says Arizona could avoid more than 1,300 premature deaths and 38,500 asthma attacks through widespread implementation of zero-emission transportation. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Leaders Call for New Federal Clean-Car Standards

A coalition of Arizona leaders is asking the Environmental Protection Agency and President Joe Biden to pass the strongest possible clean-air vehicle …

According to Power To Decide, 14 states currently have no health clinics that provide abortion care, affecting an estimated 77 million people and 16 million women of reproductive age. (Adobe Stock)

Interactive Map Illustrates AZ Abortion Access

Some doctors and pro-choice advocates are urging people to pre-order so-called "abortion pills," citing a looming Texas court decision, which might …

About 15,000 types of products fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, but there are mandatory standards for only about 250 of them. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Product Recalls Up 33%, AZ Group Recommends Action

A new report asks lawmakers and regulators to look at why some unsafe products aren't recalled sooner, and what can be done to get them off the …

The electrical malfunction that causes cardiac arrest is known as arrhythmia. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Heart Specialist Explains Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest

February is American Heart Month, and an Arizona expert said it is important to know the signs of a heart attack versus cardiac arrest. Dr. Wilber …

Vitalant said it is seeing 20% fewer blood donations than before the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

AZ's Blood Supply Drops to Lowest Level in a Year

Arizona's blood supply is at its lowest level in a year. Vitalant is encouraging Arizonans of all blood types to donate blood, especially universal …

The CDC reported only 15.4% of people 5 years of age and older have received the most updated booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. (Adobe Stock)

Omicron Subvariant Could Fuel Next AZ COVID Surge

The newest Omicron subvariant could be the reason Arizona starts to see COVID-19 cases rise again. The Arizona Department of Health Services …

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AZ: Health