Public Health Journalism this Week
4 new mental health laws are cause for hope, AZ Mad Moms group says (azcentral.com) Arizona obscures marijuana edibles facility health code inspections (azcentral.com) Lawmakers approve language for lengthy list of November ballot questions (azmirror.com) Hantavirus cases continue to increase in Coconino County (azcentral.com) New COVID-19 vaccine coming in 2024: Here’s what top experts recommend (azcentral.com) Arizona farmers turn to solar panels to shade crops, save water and generate power
The Hidden Dangers of Adolescent Cannabis Use
With retail marijuana programs proliferating across the country, more and more people are wondering what the impact of this increased access to Cannabis is having on public health. While there’s some risk for dependency and abuse among adults, the real risk posed by marijuana use is among adolescents and young adults. Why? Because the adolescent brain, still in its crucial development phase, is uniquely vulnerable to the adverse effects of cannabis. Regular
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
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
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
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