Three years on, the pandemic — and our response — have been jolting. Here's what even the experts didn't see coming Dec. 27, 2022 People who study infectious diseases and who work in public health have long known a bad pandemic would one day come. They knew such an event would overwhelm hospitals, strain supply chains, and place stresses on society that we would be ill-equipped to meet. STAT
988 response must be coordinated to work well Dec. 26, 2022 The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has some kinks that need to be ironed out, but coordinating services from mental health professionals, peer supporters, local health care facilities and law enforcement can go a long way toward ensuring that callers get the help they need. Psychiatric News
The 10 best heated, weighted blankets Dec. 26, 2022 Winter is the perfect time to refresh your bedding so that it’s super cozy. Draping yourself in a heated, weighted blanket can make the simple act of relaxing in bed feel even more luxurious. Parade Magazine
New statewide hotline to support mental health during and after pregnancy Dec. 21, 2022 Saira S. Kalia, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at the College of Medicine – Tucson, and Kathryn Emerick, MD, clinical assistant professor at the College of Medicine – Tucson, are working to launch a statewide hotline that will connect health care providers directly to psychiatrists to facilitate consultations about a patient’s mental health. Cronkite News
Arizona Poison and Drug Information System warn about increased danger of illicit drugs due to xylazine contamination Dec. 21, 2022 The Arizona Poison System, the College of Medicine – Phoenix and Arizona Public Health and Safety agencies are warning Arizona health care providers about the risks of illicit drugs being contaminated with xylazine. KVOA-TV (Tucson, AZ)
Will nasal COVID vaccines save us? Dec. 21, 2022 Mucosal vaccines designed for COVID-19 are beginning to be used around the world. Deepta Bhattacharya, PhD, professor of immunobiology in the College of Medicine – Tucson, is quoted. The Atlantic
First fellowship in integrative medicine and Ayurveda to begin August 2023 Dec. 21, 2022 A collaboration between the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine in the College of Medicine – Tucson and Maharishi International University’s College of Integrative Medicine announced the first Master of Science with a Fellowship in Integrative Medicine and Ayurveda for medical professionals. SCIENMAG
A phase 2, double-blind, randomized controlled trial of PROSTVAC in prostate cancer patients on active surveillance. Dec. 20, 2022 Research members at the UArizona Cancer Center collaborated in a phase 2 clinical trial that is the first to show the feasibility and acceptability of immunotherapy for prostate cancer in patients on active surveillance. UroToday
COVID-19's lethal effects upended Arizona life Dec. 20, 2022 COVID-19 was the third-leading cause of death in 2020 and 2021 behind heart disease and cancer, Arizona data shows, but some health experts say that isn't telling the full story of its lethal effects in the state. The Arizona Republic