Getting the flu vaccine now makes it less likely you’ll get the flu this fall and winter, which is not just good for you and your family, it’s also good for our community.  Public Health wants to make it as easy as possible for everyone to get a flu shot this year.  Here are three options:

• Children 6 months through 18 years of age can receive free flu shots at one of our immunization clinics on weekdays (Monday-Friday) by making an appointment.
• If you have insurance, check with your health care provider or find a flu shot clinic near you using Vaccine Finder. 
• If you are uninsured or underinsured, visit maricopa.gov/flu to find a community event where adults and children can receive a FREE flu shot. These free events are open to everyone in the community, including those with insurance. There are three events tomorrow, and more throughout October!

The pandemic has taken a serious financial and emotional toll on many of us.  Maricopa County is here to help.  The Board of Supervisors has approved significant funding for programs to help individuals and businesses bounce back.  These include:

Rental assistance: Households can receive rental assistance payments for past due or owed rent for the months of March 2020 - December 2020.  More than 1,700 households have received assistance to date with more than $5 million in rent payments distributed so far. 

Utility assistance: Households can receive up to $1,000 to help cover electric and gas bills.

Business and non-profit grants: Grants up to $25,000 are available to small businesses and non-profits experiencing financial hardship during the pandemic.  More than $22 million in grants have been distributed so far.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is offering washable, reusable cloth face masks to students, their parents, school staff members, or anyone else who may not be able to purchase a mask.  You can place an order through ADHS and get five reusable masks.  Orders are limited to one per household.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, but the work of caring for one another and managing our mental health continues all year.  During this time of heightened stress, Public Health has resources to support you, whether you want to know what warning signs to watch for, or you need someone to talk with at this moment. 

Find help >

 Early ballots for the November General Election will be mailed a week from today!  October 7 is also when vote centers will open for folks who want to cast their ballot in-person.  If you haven’t registered to vote, or are unsure of your registration status, you still have time.  The voter registration deadline is October 5.

Are You Ballot Ready? >

Time is running out to complete your 2020 Census.  The census is the official count of how many people live in our community and it determines how much federal funding we’ll receive for key projects over the next decade.  Completing the Census is easy, secure, and important.  It should take only about 10 minutes of your time.  Will you help?