The year 2002 marked the largest outbreak to date in the world as the virus rapidly spread across the U.S. Maricopa County has been spared the burden of widespread WNV-illness thus far, however the area is home to a viable mosquito population, many species of migratory birds and a large human populace with a propensity for outdoor activities making arrival of the virus inevitable and advanced preparations invaluable.

Vision screening of children, unlike hearing screening, is not currently mandated by Arizona state law. The purpose of this document is to provide information, guidance and recommendations for implementing a vision screening program for children ages 3 and older in school and community settings. This document provides guidance and practical information on the screening process, appropriate screening tools, referral criteria and follow-up procedures.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has prepared this report on the health status of Arizona women to highlight its commitment to the health and wellness of all Arizonans throughout the lifespan and its focus on prevention. It is the intention that the data contained in this report will serve as a baseline and that, in future reports, we will see progress toward creating a healthier Arizona.

This brief includes mortality data with an underlying cause of death coded to ICD-10 codes X20-X29, and hospital discharge data coded to ICD-9 codes 905.0-905.9. The hospital discharge data only include information from private, acute-care facilities. Data from rehabilitation hospitals, urgent care centers, or federal facilities, including Indian Health Services or Veteran’s Administration facilities, are not available.

In order to continue to provide crucial sexual violence prevention and education services to its statewide community, the Arizona Department of Health Services, Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Program began comprehensive planning in November 2006, the second year of a five-year funding cycle. The plan was developed as a means of achieving the vision of a culture that supports healthy, respectful relationships through primary prevention efforts and zero tolerance of sexual violence in Arizona communities.

The data presented in this report show that poisoning is a public health problem that impacts the lives of thousands of Arizona residents each year. These injuries can occur throughout the life span, and like so many injuries, poisonings are predictable and preventable. Understanding the circumstances of poisonings is an important step towards educating and empowering communities and implementing prevention strategies.