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LATEST INFORMATION
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COVID-19 Vaccination Update
53% of all Maricopa County residents have received at least one dose
Get your vaccine
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County/Senate Agreement
Protects taxpayers, sensitive data; ends legal dispute
Learn more
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TODAY'S KEY MESSAGE
West Nile Virus Threat Is Significant
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West Nile virus was first seen in Maricopa County in 2003, and in that time, we’ve never seen more mosquitoes infected with the virus than we are seeing this year.
Additionally, this season, 104 human West Nile virus cases and four deaths have been reported in Maricopa County, which is more than we had the entire season in 2020. Our case counts are approaching the number reported in 2019, which was our second highest year since 2004. We still have several months left in the season.
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. About 1 in 5 who get sick experience symptoms such as fever, headache, body ache, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and joint pain. About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system including meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation of the area around the brain and/or spinal cord). These severe cases lead to death about 10% of the time.
While young healthy people can develop serious illness, adults over age 60 and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk for severe complications of West Nile virus. To prevent bites and sickness:
- Wear insect repellant when you go outside
- Wear long sleeves and pants outside if it’s not too hot
- Get rid of standing water in your yard to eliminate mosquito breeding sources, including items such as containers, toys, and plant dishes.
- Fix broken screens in windows and doors
Get more information on West Nile Virus and how to Fight the Bite >
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Helping Hands
Correctional Health Services is trying to reduce recidivism in county jails by connecting inmates with resources when they leave jail. Navigators reach out to inmates while they are in jail to setup things like transportation, sober living, rehab programs, shelter and food assistance. One navigator has quite the story to tell. After being arrested 30+ times, she is now helping others turn their lives around.
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 Watch the video >
Eviction Assistance
Renters in Maricopa County facing eviction due to non-payment of rent now have access to legal services to help them understand their rights and prevent eviction. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved a contract with Community Legal Services for 2.6 million for services through June 30th, 2023. The contract is mutually beneficial to landlords and tenants—enabling landlords to receive rent owed and preventing the family disruption that happens as the result of an eviction.
Learn about this program >
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September is Suicide Prevention Month
Did you know that our county jails have a 3-pronged approach to prevent suicides and keep inmates safe? Watch the video below to hear from the county Mental Health leaders about the partnerships Correctional Health Services has in place to prevent suicides in jails.
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NEWS BITES
Legislative District 30
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors have appointed Raquel Terán to fill the Arizona Senate vacancy in Legislative District 30. District 30 covers west central Phoenix and downtown Glendale.
Maricopa County Regional Transportation Plan
The Maricopa Association of Governments is looking for public input on the Momentum 2050 MAG Regional Transportation Plan. This plan includes improvements to the Tempe Street Car, the Light rail extension, Maricopa Interchange Improvements, etc.
Public comments can be submitted here or in writing by October 13th.
Reprecincting
Maricopa County is considering proposed changes to voting precinct and justice court precinct lines. The county held five public meetings to provide the public with information about the specific changes to each precinct. If approved, proposed changes to Maricopa County voting and justice court precincts would go into effect in January 2022. Public meetings have concluded but you can still leave your input here online.
For more information on reprecincting, visit the Recorder’s website.
Wickenburg Job Fair
Looking for a new job? Come dressed for success at the Wickenburg Job Fair where employers will be doing on-site interviews. The job fair is being held Wednesday, September 22nd at 10 am at the Wickenburg Community Center at 160 N. Valentine St. Wickenburg, AZ 85390. Contact Julie Huston for questions at Julie.Huston@Maricopa.gov or by phone at 928-668-0540.
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PETS AND PLACES
Pet of the Week
 Tonka
Some might consider Tonka a senior lady because she's around eight years old. But Tonka knows you're really only as old as you feel - and Tonka still feels like a young pup! This girl was initially very shy and nervous, but she has gained a lot of confidence and has started show off her fun personality! Tonka is looking forward to finding an active retirement home and forever family to call her own. She has been able to coexist with other dogs she's met at the shelter and may do well with children twelve and older who will be gentle with her.
Place of the Week
Whether it’s a good read, internet access, or resources to help with school work, Maricopa County libraries have you covered! Visit one of our 18 libraries today.

- Library cards are free for Maricopa County and Queen Creek residents.
- Kids under 18-years old can also get a library card and can have five physical items at a time.
- The Library district offers more than 5,000 programs each year, including story book time for children and book discussions for adults.
- A calendar of library events can be found here.
- You can renew your library card online.
- Or if you have never had a library card stop at your local library.
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