The Triple Threat
COVID-19, the flu, and RSV are surging in many parts of the country in what health experts and news media are calling a “tripledemic” of respiratory illnesses. Many children’s hospitals are overwhelmed after surges of RSV, while the level of influenza is the highest it has been at this point in the year for more than a decade. And after a lull in cases, new coronavirus infections are on the rise across the country as well.
How can home visitors provide up-to-date information to famiies? CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels provide information about the amount of severe illness in the community where you are located to help you decide when to take action to protect yourself and others. The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks indoors in areas with a high COVID-19 Community Level. But regardless of Community Level, anyone can wear a mask as an additional precaution to protect themselves and their families from respiratory infections during the holiday season.
Holiday season is a good time to refresh our memories on the importance of staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and the importance of Handwashing! For questions, refer to the Public Health Communication Collaborative Answers to Tough Questions .
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House Passes Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022
We are thrilled to announce that we are one step closer to a long-term reauthorization for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program! The U.S House of Representatives passed H.R 8876, the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022. This legislation will reauthorize and make improvements to the MIECHV program, as well increase funding over the next five years.
Next, Congress must include a five-year reauthorization in their final year-end package. Please stay tuned for additional opportunities to take action and contact your Senators in support of MIECHV reauthorization.
Stigma Reduction
Focus Group research findings show that most people view moms who use substances with negativity and disdain; They believe moms are selfish. They are judged, talked down to and dismissed by providers and the community. Moms don’t begin to understand the risks to their baby until they see them experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Given these findings, it’s clear that providing an environment or attitude that is accepting can be a challenge, but it is also the key to healing with families who are struggling with substance use disorder. AzDHS has developed a short video to help the public understand the stigma that these families can face. “See Me Differently” tells the real story of women in treatment, their trauma and how our attitude can make a huge difference. video