Maricopa Currents: County News for You

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COUNTY NEWS ROOM  |   MAY 10, 2021

Maricopa Currents Teachers and Nurses

Thank You, Essential Workers!

This month, two groups of essential professionals are being honored: teachers and nurses.  Maricopa County employs both.

National Nurses Week started May 6 and runs through Wednesday, May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Teacher Appreciation Week ran from May 2-8.

 

It's a perfect opportunity to thank our 250+ County nurses, and 140+ county educators for serving our community selflessly and tirelessly every day, especially during the pandemic.  We appreciate you!

 

If you're wondering which department employs the most nurses, it's Correctional Health at 182, followed by Public Health at 68. And the department with the most teachers is Human Services (which operates Head Start) at 93.  There are also dozens of educators working in the Office of the School Superintendent.

 

In addition to teachers and nurses, we'd like to recognize ALL of our essential workers.  We recognize how hard you've worked over th past year and we are grateful for all you do to make our community better.

Blue Bullet Point

HEADLINE STORIES

County Recognized for Conducting Fair 2020 General Election

naco

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and the County Attorney's Office are getting national recognition for their role in overseeing and ensuring free and fair elections in 2020. During the May 5th Board of Supervisors meeting, the National Association of Counties (NACO) commended the Board and MCAO staff for their public service and leadership during the 2020 election cycle.

 

Watch the presentation >

Read the story >

Just the Facts About Elections

Safe Elections

The Maricopa County Elections Department is combating misinformation about the County's election processes and vote counting machines with a new public information effort.  You can sign up for the "Just the Facts" newsletter to get timely updates about how Maricopa County ensures integrity and accuracy every election.  With a lot of eyes on the Arizona Senate's audit of Maricopa County ballots and equipment, and strange new rumors swirling every day, we encourage you to arm yourself with the facts.

 

FEATURED VIDEO

What's Your Why?

What's Your Why Video

There are a lot of good reasons to get a COVID-19 vaccine.  Does "I just want to be set free!" resonate with anyone?  Check out the video for more reasons, then get vaccine facts and all the information you need to get protected at maricopa.gov/TakeCare.

Red Bullet

AROUND THE COUNTY

Heat and Cars: Your Annual Warning

Child in car seat

With temperatures heating up, the County Attorney's Office wants to reminds you to look for kids and pets before leaving your hot car.  Vehicular heatstroke often involves affects those who are most vulnerable and it is 100% preventable. Help put a stop to these preventable deaths by learning about and raising awareness of the issue.

Maricopa County Reads

Library Book

The Library District's Summer Reading Challenge starts June 1. The award-winning summer reading program is a great opportunity to connect with families across the County, and to be a part of one of the County’s largest community literacy efforts!

 

In addition to the joy of reading, you can earn points, unlock badges, and win prizes by competing in challenges. Check out the program here.

Commit to One Day and Help Keep Ozone Away

Ozone Campaign

In 2020, Maricopa County experienced 38 days of ozone high pollution advisory alerts and exceeded the ozone federal health standard 34 times.

 

To help reduce the negative impacts of ozone pollution, Air Quality and the Board of Supervisors are urging you to Commit to One Day and Help Keep Ozone Away. When possible, walk, ride a bike, carpool, vanpool, or use public transportation. Get more tips and information at CleanAirMakeMore.com.

Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.

Work Zone

Work Zone awareness is personal this year after the death of MCDOT worker Gustav Danielson last month. Remember: there are real people behind the orange cones. That's why you're encouraged to "Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives." 

 

Campaign Kickoff Video (English)>

Campaign Kickoff Video (Spanish) > 


Green Bullet

CAPTION CONTEST

Congratulations, Irene Rodriguez

Potato with Caption

This week it's all about the treats. Irene Rodriguez from Animal Care and Control got our vote for guessing what was on Potato's mind. Thanks to Irene and everyone who participated in the pet caption contest!


Now for this issue's photo... 

Submit your caption online

Barkley Dreaming by Michelle Friedrich

Potato wanted a treat. Barkley looks like he's ready to pounce on the onion rings. Michelle Friedrich from Correctional Health submitted this picture and made us wonder what happened next. What do you think? Send us a caption using the link above. Have a favorite pet pic you want to share?  Email us and we may include it in a future issue of Currents.


Orange Bullet

IN THE NEWS

Justice Department Warns Arizona Senate President of Civil Rights Violations in 2020 Election Audit

via cnn.com

 

Moderna and Pfizer vaccines showing promising results against COVID variants 

via CBS News

 

Maricopa County Animal Shelter Hosting "Empty the Shelters" Event with Crowded Kennels

via abc15.com

 

Gray Bullet

RETURN TO WORK FOR APPOINTED DEPARTMENTS

Flexibility with accountability. That's what staff can expect next.  County Manager Joy Rich sent a message to appointed departments about the return to a post-COVID workplace.  Read it here.

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