Health and Medicine

Tick risks vary by region. Here's where diseases have spread and how to stay safe

Ticks can carry more than a dozen different disease-causing agents, including toxins, allergens, bacteria, parasites and viruses.

Tucson City Council approves ban on camping in washes and parks

The Council's decision lines up with a recent Supreme Court ruling and sparking protest from residents.

The Long Road: How COVID changed politics

Did the silos deepen or did people start paying more attention?

U of A Launches Arizona’s First Three-Year MD Program to Combat Doctor Shortage

Accelerated degree aims to boost the state’s primary care workforce and bring physicians to underserved communities faster.

UA researchers need more Arizonans to answer survey questions about COVID-19

Since 2020, a team of researchers has been conducting the Arizona CoVHORT COVID-19 Public Health Research Study to gather data about COVID-19 through an online public survey.

Arizona officials confirm measles outbreak in Navajo County

There are three other major outbreaks in North America.

The past is prologue: Arizona’s rising vaccine opt-outs stir echoes of epidemics past

Doctors and scholars say mistrust, rumors and fear have long complicated disease prevention.

COVID vaccine changes confuse and upset some parents and families

COVID vaccine access will be more limited for some groups, after federal health officials changed recommendations.

Tucson Opens Cooling Centers for Summer Heat Relief

The centers provide safe, air-conditioned spaces during peak heat hours.

How safe is the food supply after federal cutbacks? Experts are worried

As the Trump administration slashes the federal workforce, experts warn that cuts to the USDA, FDA, and CDC have left the nation's food supply vulnerable to outbreaks of foodborne illness, raising serious safety concerns.

Ending the silence about mental health in Southern Arizona.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson youth explores emotion and expectations in his book "The Weight of Tomorrow"; and how Ability Dogs of Arizona pairs those in need with canine companions.

Vaccine advisers to the FDA recommended changes to COVID vaccines

Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration met Thursday to recommend a formula for COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-2026 season.

Firefighters have increased levels of PFAS UA researchers find

Frontline workers also have elevated levels of certain PFAS.

20 people, health care business and church charged in sober living scheme in Arizona

The charges against Happy House Behavioral Health include conspiracy, fraud, forgery, theft, and money laundering.

Kelly criticizes GOP push for Medicaid cuts and work mandates

Healthcare leaders warn a tax cut bill could jeopardize care for thousands amid Arizona’s mental health and housing crises.

Overdose deaths down in Arizona last year, nationwide

Despite the drop, health experts warn of federal action halting progress on overdose deaths.

A quarter of children have a parent with substance use disorder, a study finds

A new study says millions of children in the U.S. live in a household with a parent who has either a moderate or severe substance use disorder.

VA says its job cuts will limit doctor, nurse resignations

As the Department of Veterans Affairs tries to meet President Trump's goal of cutting 15% of staff, vets are concerned there won't be enough doctors and nurses.

Covid-19 Five Years Later, a New Life in Arizona

Artist Kenneth Ober is reinventing himself in Bisbee after moving from the Los Angeles area.

Trump cuts baby 'Safe to Sleep' team. Here's what parents should know

The Safe to Sleep campaign has greatly reduced cases of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths.

Tu Nidito: No child grieves alone

Tu Nidito offers a safe, nurturing space where children, teens, young adults, and caregivers can find hope, healing, and understanding.

Proyecto Juntos: Addressing Mental Health Gaps in Rural Arizona

Using community lead research to address mental health gaps in rural Arizona.

Harvesting Health – Naco Wellness Initiative

Arizona residents are working with neighbors in Naco, Mexico to improve health and wellbeing. The non-profit uses gardens, education and exercise as part of its efforts.

Body Stories Redefined

Husband-and wife plastic surgery team creates charity to provide free surgery and care to under and uninsured patients.

On the Origin of COVID

Research now shows it wasn’t a lab leak

Echoing Hope Ranch

Echoing Hope Ranch in Cochise County provides a variety of services to those with autism or other developmental disabilities.