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Quitting smoking, vaping, or chewing is one of the best things a person can do for their health
Last month the Great American Smokeout served as a reminder for people who smoke to make a plan to quit for a healthier future. But quitting smoking is possible any time, and it’s one of the best choices a person can make to improve their health and protect their loved ones from cancer-causing chemicals.
Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the US, accounting for about one in five deaths each year. While cigarette smoking rates have continued to decline in recent years
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Updating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Idaho is no small task, but I was grateful yesterday for the opportunity to join my EMS colleagues to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Idaho.
EMS workers from throughout the state — as far
The Division of Medicaid provides healthcare services for low-income people and families in Idaho. This includes adults and children, pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and people with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements.
During the COVID-19 public health
As a former personal trainer, I had a love-hate relationship with January. The gyms were always brim-full of people working on their New Year resolutions, and I wondered how many would make it into February or March.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I failed to meet my own
Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. / Idaho Human Rights Day. As we observe the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to others, I reflect on his legacy and think about the poignant question he posed to an audience in Montgomery, Ala., in 1957: “Life’s most
Did you know radon is present in many Idaho homes? The Idaho Environmental Health Program within the Division of Public Health manages the Idaho Radon Program. Below is information to separate radon facts from fiction and help keep your family healthy.
Fact: All homes should be
Monday will start the first regular session of the sixty-seventh Idaho Legislature. Lawmakers and state agency personnel have been gearing-up for a full session. I have enjoyed meeting with the chairs of the Health and Welfare committees in the House and Senate to get to know
The last two weeks of the year are a good time to slow down, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the year that’s about to unfold.
Our mission remains the same as we move into the new year: We’re dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of
The holidays can be a difficult time for many – financial pressures, stress, and emotional issues can feel overwhelming.
If you’re struggling this holiday season, we can help. The Department of Health and Welfare offers an array of services ranging from food
Most people with developmental disabilities live in their communities. However, when they also have complex needs that results in a crisis, there is currently limited access to effective treatment.
To address these gaps, the department is creating three new crisis system
An Ohio measles outbreak currently underway should serve as a clear reminder that it’s time to get our children caught up on vaccinations—particularly for those who may have slipped behind schedule during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Measles is a highly contagious
I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Health and Welfare’s (DHW) publication 2022-2023 Facts, Figures, and Trends is now available online.
This reference provides a robust look at DHW – who we serve, the services we provide, and how those services are paid for. It