March 8 Legislative Update
This week was dominated by floor votes (called 3rd Read). Bills that successfully get approved on the floor vote then move over to the other chamber. Here’s a list of the public health related bills that have advanced out of their chamber this week: Senate SB1019 photo enforcement; traffic (AzPHA opposes) SB1071 SNAP TANF verification (AzPHA Opposed) SB1108 international medical licenses; provisional licensing (no Position) SB1612 RFP document retention; AHCCCS (No Position) SB1347 – no vote yet -comprehensive
Public Health Journalism this Week
Controversial HHS Secretary RFK Jr. has a loyal Arizona following Measles outbreak in Texas major test for RFK Jr. – Arizona PBS Why Musk cuts could affect AZ public health | 12news.com 4 Arizona counties have lower vaccination rates than Texas measles epicenter As Abortion Bans Drive Up Maternal, Infant Mortality, Trump Admin. Shutters Key CDC Program – Jezebel Medicaid cuts would devastate Arizonans, health-care leaders say Experts warn Arizona
Do You Need a Measles Booster?
The real key to preventing measles outbreaks and epidemics is to have good vaccination rates – especially among kids. Sadly, Arizona has among the lowest childhood vaccination rates in the US – meaning that we’re primed for the kind of measles outbreak that’s currently underway in Texas and New Mexico. Many things need to change in order to improve our rates – some are policy changes (eliminating the personal exemption)
As Public Health Comes Under Under Threat APHA is Taking Action
Our parent organization, the American Public Health Association has been bust at work filing lawsuits and motions as part of country-wide litigation and action challenging some of the biggest threats to public health, including: APHA files motion for a preliminary injunction related to White House OMB efforts to pause all federal agency grants and loans APHA urges Senate committees to oppose RFK Jr. nomination to lead HHS Judge issues temporary restraining order in
Want to Move Beyond Individual Patient Care to Drive System-level Change?
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The Looming Public Health Crisis: Why Cutting Federal Funds Would Wreck Arizona’s Public Health System
Imagine waking up to a world where your local health department can’t track a measles outbreak, run immunization programs, or respond to foodborne illness outbreaks. That might not be a dream. It could shortly become a reality. Shortly after Trump’s inauguration, his administration tried to cancel federal contracts and cooperative agreements with state and county health departments. A judge stepped in to block the move, but if that ruling is lifted—or