Healthcare is an essential part of the conversation when it comes to business and making Arizona a great place to live, work and raise our families. Across all industries, businesses have been critical partners in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Meanwhile, those in the healthcare sector have worked tirelessly to care for patients and look out for the health of their employees.
This has been a difficult year in so many ways, but working together we’ve kept Arizona moving forward. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, Arizonans have embraced wearing masks, maintaining social distance, frequent handwashing and other steps that are so important to public health. Businesses have been leaders in these efforts by helping customers and employees protect themselves and their loved ones. Meanwhile, COVID-19 benchmarks developed in collaboration with business leaders have allowed for the safe, phased reopening of higher-risk industries based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, the White House Coronavirus Task Force metrics, and expert advice from the medical and public health community.
We know COVID-19 has been a real challenge for many businesses, and we know the impact the virus and public health measures have had. Our commitment is to keep Arizonans as healthy and safe as possible, and we appreciate the commitment of Arizonans throughout this pandemic.
I was honored to be featured as a Woman of Achievement in last month’s issue of In Business Magazine and am pleased to help present this month’s healthcare edition of In Business Magazine.
Healthcare is the subject of the cover story in this November issue. COVID-19 testing is one current focus area, but experts also address healthcare-related employment and workforce matters, trends in healthcare delivery, and an example of businesses coming together to reach underserved populations in our community.
As commerce continues and businesses move ahead, principles of big data can help in strategic decision-making. In this month’s feature article, Frances Zelazny discusses how brands can use big data to understand their market position. The Roundtable article looks inward for sources to enhance decision making, as Claire Dale and Patricia Peyton explain the concept of physical intelligence and examine how it functions in both the mind and the body.
Briefs articles include a review of a new bankruptcy option for businesses and suggestions for creating the best impression when conducting or taking part in a Zoom interview. Healthcare includes an article on how employers can help their employees get the most out of their dental coverage, as oral care is increasingly recognized as an important factor in a person’s overall health. Another feature focuses in on trucking and truckers as an essential part of the economy.
This November issue of In Business Magazine also includes select articles from our ongoing Spanish-language En Negocios at InBusinessPhx.com.
Sincerely,
Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S.
Director
Arizona Department of Health Services
Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S., became director for the Arizona Department of Health Services in May 2015. Dr. Christ has served the agency for more than nine years. Among her many accomplishments at ADHS, Dr. Christ collaborated with health partners and stakeholders — including the Governor’s Council on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response — to develop strategic plans for infectious disease prevention and control. She was involved in leading statewide efforts during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and worked with partners to find solutions to improve childhood vaccination programs. In 2012, Dr. Christ managed the development and implementation of 20 Articles of Arizona Administrative Code for Health Care Institutions, allowing integration of physical and behavioral health services statewide.
Dr. Christ obtained her master’s degree in microbiology with an emphasis in molecular virology and public health. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
