Agenda Update: AZPHA Spring Conference – From Crisis to Care: Improving Outcomes in Arizona’s Behavioral Health System
From Crisis to Care: Improving Outcomes in Arizona’s Behavioral Health System May 1, 2026: Desert Willow Conference Center The Arizona Public Health Association’s 2026 conference will focus on strengthening Arizona’s behavioral health system and improving outcomes for people with mental and behavioral health needs. Arizona’s behavioral health system sits at the intersection of public health, Medicaid, housing, courts, and community-based services. This year’s conference will highlight innovative strategies, evidence-based practices,
Mayes Sues CDC Over New Vaccine Schedule
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is challenging the way federal vaccine policy is being rewritten — and she’s right to do it. Her lawsuit targets recent actions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under Kennedy that scaled back universal recommendations for seven vaccines: rotavirus, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. But this case isn’t just about the vaccines themselves. It’s about the process. As
HCR 2056: The “Right to Refuse” Constitutional Amendment Dismantles School Vaccine Protections & Undermines Public Health Authority
The Arizona House is expected to pass HCR2056 next week. If that happens, the Senate becomes the last real opportunity to stop it. Because this is a referendum, the Governor can’t veto it. It would go straight to the November ballot. On the surface, HCR 2056 sounds simple. It proposes a constitutional amendment recognizing a broad “right to refuse medical mandates.” The language is framed around personal freedom and bodily autonomy. But
Halftime at the Capitol: What’s Still Alive, What’s Dead, and What’s Dangerous
We’re basically at halftime of the 2026 legislative session. By the end of next week, bills must have been heard in their committees of origin to stay viable. They don’t all need a final floor vote yet—but the clock is ticking. Expect long third-read sessions, especially in the Senate (the House already did its 4 a.m. marathon last week). Only two bills are up in committee next week: HB2178 and
Why Violent Immigration Enforcement Is a Public Health Crisis
Violent and indiscriminate immigration enforcement isn’t just a civil-rights or legal issue. It’s a public health problem that harms trust, safety, and community wellbeing. The Center for Public Health Law, through the Network for Public Health Law, recently explained why in “A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds at Home.” Their analysis shows how aggressive federal enforcement by ICE and CBP undermines health, even far from the border. https://www.networkforphl.org/news-insights/a-humanitarian-crisis-unfolds-at-home-violent-and-unlawful-immigration-enforcement-requires-us-all-to-respond/ Fear Is a Health Threat Public
Public Health & AI Summer School Returns to Tucson — June 8–11, 2026
The University of Arizona College of Public Health is hosting its 2nd Public Health & AI Summer School on June 8–11, 2026, at the Grand Challenges Research Building (750 N Cherry Ave, Tucson). After a strong inaugural year, the program is back with an expanded format and two distinct tracks designed to meet public health professionals at different stages of their AI journey. This four-day, in-person training is built for