The renewed surge in COVID-19 cases makes getting your flu shot this year more important than ever, say Banner Health experts. Flu season usually starts in October, so infectious-disease specialists suggest the best time to get vaccinated is from early September to the end of October. “There are concerns that this could be a more severe flu season than last year,’’ said … [More]
Additional $60 Million to Support Hospital Staffing Announced
Governor Doug Ducey announced Wednesday that $60 million to support staffing at health care facilities that deploy proven techniques to decrease COVID-19 related hospitalizations, including administering monoclonal antibody treatments and offering vaccination at discharge. “Arizona’s health care professionals and all frontline workers are heroes, without a doubt,” said … [More]
UArizona Health Sciences Study Suggests Greater Vaccination Push Needed to Combat Delta Variant
New data from an ongoing University of Arizona Health Sciences research study show that the COVID-19 vaccines remain effective following the predominance of the delta variant, although at a lower rate than prior to its emergence. The newly released findings from the longitudinal Arizona Healthcare, Emergency Response, and Other Essential Workers Surveillance (AZ HEROES) … [More]
Banner Study to Evaluate Those at Risk of Decline Related to Alzheimer’s Disease
Eli Lilly and Company and Banner Alzheimer’s Institute announced a strategic research collaboration as part of the planned Phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating donanemab in participants at risk for cognitive and functional decline related to Alzheimer’s disease (TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 3). TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 3 will evaluate whether treatment with donanemab can slow the … [More]
Arizonans Helping Researchers Better Understand COVID-19
A new antibody testing study examining samples originally collected through the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program found evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in five states earlier than initially reported. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University led the study that analyzed more than 24,000 stored blood samples contributed between Jan. 2 and March 18, … [More]
Banner Poison Center Sees 140% Spike in Hand Sanitizer Incidents
In 2020, poison centers across the nation saw an increase in exposures to household cleaning products, chemicals, and medications. With more people working remotely and children schooling at home, there continues to be an increased potential for poisoning accidents. “Please be alert about the location of these products and keep them out of reach for small children,” said … [More]
Banner Health Eases Visitor Restrictions at Hospitals and Ambulatory Locations
On February 19, Banner Health changed its visitor restrictions for hospital and ambulatory locations in Arizona. One visitor per patient per day is now permitted for most in-patients. Out-patient locations and services (e.g. urgent cares, clinics, emergency rooms, etc.) will also allow one companion to accompany patients. In-patient visitation hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 … [More]
First Fully Integrated COVID-19 Prevention, Testing & Therapy Center Opens in Phoenix
Concierge physician, Tyler Southwell, created a new division of his practice – Southwellness COVID Solutions (SCS) – late last year and is opening a 2,600 square foot one-of-a-kind facility this week in Phoenix, dedicated specifically to COVID-19 prevention, testing, and therapy. The convenient, comfortable, and private office is the first and only fully-integrated … [More]
Phoenix Mayor Announces Second COVID-19 Mobile Testing Van
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced today the launch of Phoenix's second COVID-19 Mobile Testing Van (Van #2) during its first day of operations at Cielito Park. Customized by the Phoenix Public Works Department's Fleet Management division, Van #2 will provide testing services to the community three days a week and will offer two types of COVID-19 tests at no … [More]
CDC Issues Order Requiring Face Masks on Public Transit
Centers for Disease Control issued an order requiring everyone traveling on public transit to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth. This new mandate is in addition to the executive order by President Biden earlier this month. Valley Metro is committed to keeping your communities safe during this pandemic and remember, we're all in this together. You can do your part to … [More]
