Maricopa County experiences exceptionally high temperatures that contributes to a high number of deaths. To track these deaths, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health created a novel and effective approach for surveillance of heat-associated deaths and has continued to use this system annually. The enhanced heat surveillance season usually begins in May and ends in October.

Provides health status information for cities and towns in Maricopa County recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau. This includes both incorporated and unincorporated cities and towns with a population of at least 1,000 people at the time of the 2000 U.S. Census. It includes data for 76 diseases and health indicators as well as information on the size and age distribution of the population.

Since 1996, Arizona has been building a comprehensive statewide system of school-to-work opportunities for students from kindergarten through college, supported by a School-to-Work (STW) implementation grant from the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education. After 3 years, a public opinion poll of a 2,200-person random sample drawn from parents, businesses, and educators sought information on these five topics: (1) public awareness of the STW initiative, (2) perceived need for school change; (3) reactions to specific changes embodied by STW; (4) specific attitudes toward STW; and (5) support for the STW initiative.

The polling data showed that awareness of STW among educators is up; increasing percentages of parents and educators report being involved in a regional partnership; and there are high levels of support for changes in the public school system, types of learning programs needed, STW implementation, and the changes in school operations that STW signifies. Educators are increasingly viewing STW as a broad-based career exploration and preparation initiative designed to meet the needs of all students.

Support for STW is also growing along the lines of public policy, tax-paying readiness, and candidate support. On the other hand, fewer businesses than in the past report being aware of STW or involved in local school efforts, although a majority of businesses polled continue to express high levels of support for STW,. More businesses view STW as a program that is limited in scope, serves only select students, and is likely to fail because of entrenched bureaucracy, and growing numbers of parents and teachers are beginning to share these views. The study concluded that policy-level action is needed to keep STW alive in Arizona.