Will Humble Professional Development, Wills Blog

Arizona’s 2024 Legislative Session: The Bills, the Budget & the Ballot Measures

Free Webinar: Friday, July 12, 2024:  9-10am

Arizona’s 2024 legislative session saw the passage of about a dozen laws that will be good for public health and state government accountability – especially in the areas of behavioral health and licensing of care facilities.

There were also many missed opportunities – mostly in the areas of behavioral healthcare and care home assurance accountability. Some detrimental bills were successfully vetoed or blocked.  

The budget saw across the board modest cuts for many agencies and sweeps of several professional license funds.

The legislature also placed 11 measures on the November ballot. AZPHA will be opposing 7 of them. Voters are likely to place an additional two propositions on the ballot.

This session will cover the Bills, the Budget and the Ballot Measures. Below is a PowerPoint summarizing what we’ll be covering in this webinar. 

2024 Legislative End of Session PowerPoint
View a Recording of the Webinar
Arizona’s 2024 Ballot Measures: A Public Health Perspective (PPT)
Will Humble Reproductive Health, Wills Blog

Texas Infant and Neonatal Mortality: A Grim Warning for Restrictive Abortion States

In the latest twist of public health policy repercussions, Texas finds itself grappling with an unsettling increase in infant and neonatal mortality rates. This spike follows the state’s implementation of highly restrictive abortion policies.

According to a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, this uptick is no coincidence. The data suggests a direct correlation between these restrictive laws and the rising number of infant deaths.

Infant Deaths After Texas’ 2021 Ban on Abortion in Early Pregnancy | Women’s Health | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network

Here’s the grim reality: When states restrict access to safe and legal abortions, the consequences ripple far beyond the immediate scope of reproductive rights.

Texas is now a case study in what happens when policymakers prioritize ideology over evidence-based health practices. The study highlighted that the restrictive policies have contributed to a rise in neonatal deaths, with the numbers speaking volumes about the health risks imposed on newborns and their mothers.

Why is this happening? Women denied abortions often face increased health risks, including complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Many of these pregnancies are unwanted or high-risk, leading to adverse outcomes for both mother and child. The stress and financial strain of carrying an unplanned pregnancy to term can also reduce the quality of prenatal care, directly affecting infant health outcomes.

Now, here’s the broader implication: Texas is not alone in its restrictive stance. Other states adopting similar measures could see parallel increases in infant mortality rates. This is a cautionary tale for policymakers everywhere. If the goal is to reduce infant mortality, then ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive health services must be a part of the strategy.

The takeaway? Restrictions on abortion don’t just limit choices—they imperil lives. We need to listen to the data and prioritize the health of our most vulnerable.

Will Humble Disease Control, Vaccination, Wills Blog

CDC Makes Recommendations for Fall COVID and Influenza Boosters

Last week the CDC has rolled out updated recommendations for both COVID-19 boosters and influenza vaccines. The latest COVID-19 boosters will be tailored to the newest variants and will continue to utilize mRNA technology (at least the Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s formulations). 

The CDC is recommending that all individuals aged 6 months and older get the updated COVID-19 booster, especially those at higher risk, such as the elderly and immunocompromised. The aim is to reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and potential strain on healthcare resources.

CDC Recommends Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Fall/Winter Virus Season

This year’s flu shot, updated to target the most prevalent strains, is advised for everyone aged 6 months and older. For those over 65 or with underlying health conditions, the high-dose or adjuvanted versions are recommended for added protection. The flu vaccine is critical in reducing the overall burden of illness and preventing complications like pneumonia and heart attacks.

Vaccination is still the cornerstone of our defense against these seasonal threats. By staying up-to-date with both the COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccine this fall we can reduce the spread of these viruses, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain a healthier community.

Note: As of early July, COVID-19 surveillance data indicates a noticeable uptick in emergency department visits and inpatient hospitalizations. In the past month, the number of COVID-related ER visits has increased by 25%, while hospitalizations have risen by 20%. However, the public health impact remains modest compared to what we experienced in 2020 and 2021. For example, over the past four weeks, approximately 0.9% of emergency department visits in Arizona have been due to COVID-19.

Will Humble Public Health Law, Wills Blog

Supreme Court’s Chevron Ruling: A Blow to Public Health Protections

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn the Chevron deference, a long-standing judicial doctrine, is likely to pose significant long-term threats to public health across the nation, including Arizona.

Historically, the “Chevron deference” allowed federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Labor, and the EPA to interpret laws using their technical expertise.

This approach has enabled these agencies to establish and enforce regulations that protect public health, workplace safety, and the environment for decades.

However, the Supreme Court’s ruling now opens the door for corporations to challenge a broad range of federal regulations…  and not just new regulations. The door is now open to challenge agency rules that were established decades ago.

Without the Chevron deference, courts may no longer defer to agency expertise in interpreting laws, leading to a potential weakening of crucial health and safety standards.

Read the Supreme Court’s “Chevron” Ruling

For example, the FDA’s ability to regulate food safety and pharmaceuticals could be significantly undermined. Corporations can now challenge regulations that limit harmful substances in food or set stringent approval processes for new drugs. This could lead to an increase in unsafe food products and medications reaching the market, posing a direct threat to public health.

Similarly, the Department of Labor’s workplace protections, including those related to heat exposure and hazardous working conditions, are now open to legal challenges. This is particularly concerning for states like Arizona, where extreme heat and industrial work environments pose serious health risks.

If (when) corporations succeed in weakening these protections, workers may face increased exposure to dangerous conditions without adequate safeguards.

The EPA’s environmental regulations are also at risk. Challenges to air and water quality standards will likely lead to lower standards, worsening respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. 

The Supreme Court’s ruling is a major shift in how federal regulations are examined in the courts, potentially eroding the foundations of public health protections.

It is crucial for advocates, policymakers, and the public to remain vigilant and proactive in defending the regulations that safeguard our health and environment… but the days of relying on judges to defer to agencies on technical public health matters is now gone (at least at the federal level). 

Will Humble Uncategorized

WeHealth Notify: A New Resource for Amplifying Public Health & Safety Alerts

Wehealth Notify is a free app available to the general public. It watches verified sources of health & safety information and sends enhanced alerts with personalized action plans. Sources include the National Weather Service, the CDC, and various state, city, county and tribal agencies nationwide.

The heat alerts that the app sends in Maricopa and Pima also include links to local resources in the county for finding shelter, getting a ride etc.

Wehealth connects communities with public agencies, scientists, medical professionals, research labs and domain experts through an iterative process of co-development that improves outcomes and ensures that the solutions benefit all.

Download the Wehealth app here: Wehealth Notify App | Wehealth

The app is anonymous and doesn’t require any personal information or location data. It is authorized by public health authorities and meets rigorous privacy and security requirements. It works in all 3,000+ counties & territories nationwide. Developed by Wehealth in collaboration with the University of Arizona and ADHS.

Here’s a link to the app tooling with some graphics and screenshots: https://www.wehealth.org/app/toolkit

ADHS has already funded the app and it’s available for free to all of Arizona. We are trying to get the word out. We got to meet a lot of folks from the counties last week and are following up with them as well.

Will Humble Injury Prevention, Physical Activity, Wills Blog

New OSHA Regulations on Heat Exposure: A Potential Lifeline for Arizona Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA) released a proposed rule last week aimed at protecting millions of workers from the significant health risks of extreme heat. If finalized, the proposed rule would help protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings and substantially reduce heat injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace.

The proposed rule would mandate comprehensive safeguards against heat stress in the workplace. This development could be a game-changer for Arizona, posing severe risks to outdoor and industrial workers.

Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings Rulemaking | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The regulations would require employers to implement measures such as providing cool drinking water, rest breaks in shaded areas, and setting up emergency protocols for heat-related illnesses. These requirements are particularly crucial for our agricultural sector, where workers often labor under relentless sun and extreme temperatures.

In Arizona, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH), part of the Arizona Industrial Commission, would play a pivotal role in enforcing these new rules. ADOSH has the authority to conduct inspections, issue citations, and impose penalties for non-compliance.

For the agricultural sector, where heat-related illnesses are a major concern, ADOSH’s enforcement will be crucial. Agricultural workers, often marginalized and working in harsh conditions, will greatly benefit from the rigorous application of these regulations.

The new regulations are not just about compliance; they’re about saving lives and preventing serious health issues. Heat-related illnesses can range from heat exhaustion to fatal heatstroke, and the burden falls disproportionately on low-wage workers who lack adequate protection.

By enforcing these new regulations (if they’re finalized), Arizona has the opportunity to lead by example in protecting its workforce from the harsh realities of climate change and extreme weather.

Ensuring compliance will not only fulfill legal obligations but will also promote a healthier, more resilient workforce capable of thriving even in the face of Arizona’s intense heat.

Will Humble Professional Development, State Legislature, Wills Blog

Free Member Webinar: Arizona’s 2024 Legislative Session: The Bills, the Budget & the Ballot Measures

Friday, July 12, 2024  |  9-10am

Arizona’s 2024 legislative session saw the passage of about a dozen laws that will be good for public health and state government accountability – especially in the areas of behavioral health and licensing of care facilities.

There were also many missed opportunities – mostly in the areas of behavioral healthcare and care home assurance accountability. Some detrimental bills were successfully vetoed or blocked.  

The budget saw across the board modest cuts for many agencies and sweeps of several professional license funds.

The legislature also placed 11 measures on the November ballot. AZPHA will be opposing 7 of them. Voters are likely to place an additional two propositions on the ballot.

This session will cover the Bills, the Budget and the Ballot Measures. Below is a PowerPoint summarizing what we’ll be covering in this webinar. 

2024 Legislative End of Session Summary:
The Bills, the Budget & the Ballot Measures

Register Here

Will Humble Public Health, Social Determinants, Wills Blog

Pima County Public Health Service Center Under Construction

Pima County Health Department Director Theresa Cullen, Deputy Director Andrew Rowe, and Deputy Director Shanika Noel and team toured the construction grounds for the new Pima County Northwest Service Center on June 28th.

Pima County purchased an old bowling alley on Miracle Mile in Tucson, AZ and are building a new north clinic, vital records, and food truck inspection location and is slated to open spring of 2025.

This service center will also include Community Workforce development training resources. This clinic location will replace the clinic currently located on 1st Ave and expand access to vital records and food permitting to the NW side of Tucson.

Will Humble Firearm Safety, Wills Blog

US Surgeon General Declares Firearm Violence a Public Health Crisis

Last week the US Surgeon General declared firearm violence a public health crisis. While this is not a declaration of a public health emergency and federal agencies won’t get any added regulatory authority from the declaration, it nevertheless underscores the urgent need to address the devastating impact of firearms on public health across the United States. 

The landmark report highlights that firearm-related deaths have reached unprecedented levels, with an alarming increase in homicides and suicides linked to gun violence.

See the Report: Firearm Violence A Public Health Crisis is America

The Surgeon General’s advisory emphasizes the role of public health in mitigating this crisis. It calls for a multi-faceted approach, including better data collection, enhanced mental health services, and robust community engagement to reduce firearm-related injuries and deaths.

Importantly, it advocates for evidence-based policies such as universal background checks, safe storage laws, and interventions targeted at high-risk individuals​​.

This announcement aligns with findings from our comprehensive report which outlines the characteristics of the gun violence crisis in Arizona and offers effective policy interventions.

The AZPHA report identifies key issues, including the proliferation of firearms, lack of regulation, and the significant toll on communities, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and minorities​. In Arizona, the situation is particularly dire, with firearm deaths surpassing the national average. Indeed, firearms are the leading cause of death among kids 0-19 in Arizona, surpassing car crashes and poisonings (e.g. fentanyl).

See Our Report: Firearm Violence in Arizona – Data to Support Prevention Policies

Our report recommends policies like expanding background checks, implementing extreme risk protection orders, and promoting community-based violence prevention programs. These interventions are crucial for reducing the burden of firearm violence and protecting public health.

Our hope is that the 2025 legislature will be open to considering and passing some of the foundational evidence-based laws that are known to reduce deaths like child access prevention laws.

This declaration from the Surgeon General is a welcome call to action, urging policymakers and communities to recognize gun violence as a pressing public health issue and to work collectively towards effective solutions.

How does gun violence impact the community, and what can be done? – Arizona PBS

Note: This report is an ‘Advisory’ rather than a full Surgeon General’s Report. Advisories provide recommendations for how the issue should be addressed. Surgeon General full reports by contrast are landmark publications. For example, in 1964, a Surgeon General Report concluded that cigarette smoking was a cause of lung cancer. That report and more than a dozen follow-ups sparked national efforts that helped cut smoking rates. 

Will Humble Health Equity, Social Determinants, Wills Blog

SCOTUS’ Decision Allows the Criminalizing Homelessness: A Public Health Focus in Arizona

Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing the criminalization of homelessness has ignited concerns about public health, particularly in states like Arizona, where extreme heat adds a critical layer of public health threat from the ruling.

See the Ruling: City of Grants Pass v. Johnson (6/28/24) | SCOTUS

In Arizona, homelessness isn’t just a crisis of housing but a public health crisis. The ruling essentially allows cities to penalize people for sleeping in public spaces, including parks and sidewalks. This policy shift is alarming, given the severe health risks faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, especially during our lethal Arizona summers.

When we criminalize homelessness, we are not addressing the root causes—like the lack of affordable housing or mental health services—but rather pushing the problem out of sight. This displacement can lead to severe health consequences.

Homeless individuals are at heightened risk for heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and dehydration, which are worsened by the lack of access to cooling centers and medical care. Arizona’s 2023 heatwave tragically underscored this reality, with many heat-related deaths among the homeless population.

Furthermore, the constant threat of arrest and displacement can lead to increased stress and mental health issues. It disrupts the continuity of care, making it difficult for outreach programs to provide essential services, such as healthcare, food, and shelter. The fear of legal repercussions may also deter individuals from seeking help, pushing them further into isolation and vulnerability.

Criminalizing homelessness can strain public health resources, leading to more frequent emergency room visits and higher healthcare costs for untreated conditions. It perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty, poor health, and justice system entanglement, creating barriers to recovery and rehabilitation.

See: Maricopa County Heat Deaths in 2023: A Crisis for the Homeless & a Call for Housing Reform

In Arizona, the public health community must advocate for humane, health-centered solutions to homelessness that recognize the right to safe shelter and access to health services, especially in a climate as unforgiving as ours.

The focus should be on providing stable housing and comprehensive support rather than punitive measures that only worsen the crisis.

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