Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) - Seniors

ADHS - Extreme Weather & Public Health

Heat Safety - Heat-Related Illness

Arizona typically experiences long periods of high temperatures from May to September. Frequent triple-digit temperatures can increase a person's risk for a heat-related illness. Nearly 3,000 people visit Arizona emergency rooms because of heat-related illnesses annually. Some heat-related illnesses can even be fatal. More than 3,200 people have died from excessive exposure to heat from 2012 to 2022.

As a result, the Arizona Department of Health Services has developed a Heat Emergency Response Plan, a Heat Safety Resource Guide, and a bilingual Heat Brochure.

Heat Relief Networks are in place in Maricopa, Pima County and Yuma County. These heat relief networks provide maps of free air-conditioned spaces to get out of the heat, free water, and places to donate water.

To sign up for email alerts and information regarding extreme heat warnings, check out the instructions on our Extreme Weather and Public Health homepage.

ADHS - Seniors: Healthy Living

Healthy Living Manual: The How-to Guide for Healthy Aging - Healthcare Options

As we age, doctor visits become more frequent and hold great significance to our lives. Therefore, it is important to gain a basic knowledge of the various healthcare options available to you and understand some of the treatment options in order to make the right choices for mind and body. Choosing the right doctor and care could have a significant effect on the quality of the rest of your life.

ADHS - Veterans

Veterans - Home

Military veterans seeking treatment for depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder or other behavioral health issues have a variety of options for accessing care.

If in a crisis, please call a crisis line right away!

If you're looking for a referral in Arizona, or anywhere in the nation, call 1-800-662-HELP which offers 24-hour free and confidential information (in English and Spanish) on substance use disorder issues and referral to treatment.

Service members and veterans with health insurance can contact their health insurance company for a referral to behavioral health service providers, such as a psychiatrist or medication addiction specialist. They can also contact the Veterans Administration.

Members of a federally-recognized Tribal Nation can also contact Indian Health Services.

ADHS - Healthy Aging: Fall Prevention

Healthy Aging - Falls Prevention Information and Resources

Falls cause significant burden to older Arizonans, to Arizona, and our healthcare system. Annually, preventable falls are costing lives, causing disability and loss of independence.

Many falls are predictable and preventable. It is possible to assess someone's risk for falls through established risk factors and physiological assessment. Targeting and modifying risk factors in those at high risk for falls has been shown to reduce their risk, injuries and number of subsequent falls. Comprehensive, multifactorial falls prevention has promise of reducing healthcare costs, maintaining independence and avoiding disability.

Activity is an essential component of comprehensive, multifactorial falls prevention as it builds balance, strength, stamina and coordination.

• Preventing Falls: One Step at a Time
• Falls Prevention Flyer - Let’s Talk Fall Prevention!
• Center for Disease Control (CDC)
• National Council on Aging (NCOA)
• Falls Prevention Media Toolkit
• Falls Prevention Awareness Month Proclamation 2016

Prevent Falls at Home

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk, and it starts at home. Reducing clutter and tripping hazards around your home will greatly reduce the risk of a fall. Showers and tubs without slip resistant mats, poorly lit rooms, cords and wires, and unsecured throw rugs can all increase your risk for a fall. It does not have to be expensive to create a safer home. Below is a list of ten things you can buy for less than $20 that will lower your risk for a fall.

• Shower or bathtub mat
• Grab Bars for your shower or tub
• Non-slip bathtub strips
• Velcro strips to secure electrical cords
• Non-slip safety grip pad for rugs
• Motion sensor sight light
• Slip resistant socks
• Non-slip tape (skid tape for stairs)
• Raised toilet seat
• Wheelchair seatbelt