A big thank you to our Public Health, Environmental Services and Emergency Management departments for keeping us all safe during super season. Our Public Health Department conducted enhanced surveillance at both events. Our Emergency Management Department used the latest technology to make sure law enforcement agencies could communicate with public safety agencies in case of an emergency. And our Environmental Services Department issued food permits to hundreds of temporary food vendors.

Maricopa County's Air Quality Department is working to convert its fleet to all electric to cut down on pollution. Vice Chairman Jack Sellers, District 1, and Supervisor Thomas Galvin, District 2 gave the new EV vehicles a test drive. The goal is for other departments to make the switch to electric vehicles in the coming years.

Our Air Quality Department joined Sirrine Elementary School in Chandler for their STEM night recently to teach kids about the importance of clean air and ways that they can decrease pollution.

Want our team to share their knowledge with your school district?  Give us a shout!

February is #CancerPreventionMonth. Smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer and quitting isn’t easy. However, there are resources to help.

Our 12 County parks are gorgeous this time of year, especially for a hike with the family. Make sure you are taking precautions when you hike.

• Drink water
• Wear sunscreen
• Wear appropriate clothing/shoes
• Hike with a friend
• Bring a cell phone
• Watch out for snakes and other creatures

“Our sweet Audio found us in the parking lot at the East Valley location as we were leaving. We had spent two hours walking through the aisles and visiting with pups but couldn't make a match for our young family. Audio (then "Speckles") made herself known that she would not let us leave without taking her! She had just come back from an adoption event with a volunteer and gave our then-2-and-a-half-year-old son a big kiss as we were walking past her. It was a done deal from there! As we were getting ready to pack her up, the shelter employee mentioned that she had been returned a few times because she 'wouldn't listen.' Turns out, she just needed more patience and a different approach - she's deaf! Three years later, she knows sign language and absolutely loves our family. She is the sweetest big sister to our littles, and we can't imagine our home without her.”

-Laura M.