ADHS celebrates Black History Month
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the rest of the state are celebrating Black History Month throughout the month of February. Throughout this month, we commemorate the significant achievements and accomplishments of African Americans, as well as their important role in U.S. history and impact on our state's public health.
February is also American Heart Month. African Americans often disproportionately affected by heart disease and associated risk factors (such as unequal access to medicines, preventive services, and participation in fitness and wellness activities).
Although heart disease-related deaths are on the decline, studies show that African American adults still have disproportionately high mortality rates. For example, in 2019, African American adults were 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white adults.
of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of Minority Health It emphasizes the importance of celebrating both American Heart Month and Black History Month by emphasizing the need for preventive health care and care management to address health disparities in Black communities.
The ADHS Office of Health Equity works to improve health equity for all Arizonans, focusing on resources for communities disproportionately affected by heart disease.
ADHS is dedicated to promoting health and wellness for all Arizonans and works to address health disparities through data, collaboration, and public health programs.
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Chavon Woods is a native of Arizona and has worked in public service for 18 years, primarily in the public health field. She currently serves as the Health Equity Administrator in the ADHS Office of Health Equity, supporting agency-wide efforts to strengthen internal capacity to operationalize health equity best practices. She also supported several federal grants, including vaccine equity, COVID-19 testing, public health infrastructure, school health, health disparities, AZ Proposition 207 Justice Reinvestment, ending marijuana, education, and advocacy. We also support the team with financial initiatives. Prior to her role at ADHS, Ms. Woods worked for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health in various positions for 13 years. Ms. Woods holds a master's degree in public administration with an emphasis in government policy from Grand Canyon University.
