Maricopa County air quality raises health concerns with affected minority communities
PHOENIX – The American Lung Association gave Maricopa County an F rating for its air quality. This poor air quality has led to an increase in health concerns, particularly for marginalized communities.
Experts: Slight 2022 Arizona health insurance gains likely to vanish in 2023
WASHINGTON - The number of Arizonans with health insurance rose in 2022, a post-pandemic bump that experts say has likely turned sharply south in the year since, as COVID-19 benefits have been phased out.
A national caregiver shortage strains organizations and families across the Valley
PHOENIX – The need for family caregivers is on the rise, leaving families looking for education and solutions as the national caregiver shortage continues to grow.
DIY filtration boxes from ASU help prevent spread of COVID-19 in Phoenix cooling centers
PHOENIX – The ASU AIDE lab makes and distributes free filtration boxes to cooling centers across metro Phoenix, helping prevent the spread of COVID in the homeless community. These boxes are a cheap and effective way to improve air quality.
Advocates say Superintendent Tom Horne’s bathroom recommendation ‘others’ transgender students
PHOENIX – Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne advised Arizona schools not to “initiate a policy that allows biological boys to use bathrooms, locker rooms or shower facilities that are intended for girls.” Some schools already have policies in place that support trans students, and advocates say Horne’s recommendation is discriminatory.
As Arizonans remember loved ones lost to drug overdose, advocacy group stresses “Every death caused by overdose is preventable.”
PHOENIX – The Arizona advocacy group Sonoran Preservation Works commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day 2023 on Aug. 31, with a vigil held at the Desert West Community Center in Phoenix.
Naloxone now available at pharmacies, libraries – and in high demand
PHOENIX – Naloxone is now available over the counter at thousands of pharmacies across the United States – though some local pharmacies' allocations can't keep up with demand. Recent nationwide opioid settlements with drug makers and pharmacies have led to programs such as free kits at Phoenix libraries. Many people know the drug by its brand name, Narcan, which delivers the medication via nasal spray.
Updated COVID-19 vaccine OK’d, experts urge people to roll up their sleeves
WASHINGTON - Federal officials Tuesday approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine for use by anyone age 6 months or older, and health officials are urging people to get the shot amid a fall surge in cases.
Kris Mayes, other attorneys general, recommend crackdown on vaping products targeting youth
PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and 32 other attorneys general from around the country are asking the Food and Drug Administration to ban flavored e-cigarettes and crack down on marketing that targets youth.
No sweat: Phoenix Rising tackle ‘massive challenge’ playing through excessive heat
PHOENIX – Amidst a record-breaking summer in Phoenix, the Phoenix Rising FC aims to preserve player safety and athletic performance as the team battles through the excessive heat.
Activists unite to fight maternal mortality post-Roe
WINGATE, N.C. – Black women are far more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women across the U.S. In the South, activists and providers are working to overcome these disparities, which they worry will worsen amid abortion bans.
In abortion-restricted North Dakota, lawmakers put resources toward mothers and children
WARSAW, N.D. – With a near-total abortion ban now law in North Dakota, legislators and anti-abortion advocates are trying to find ways to support pregnant people and new mothers. Critics say it’s not enough.
