One Health is the idea that the health of humans, animals and the environment are all connected. As people, we depend on animals for many things, like food, companionship, and recreation. Animals depend on us to provide care, husbandry, safe homes and habitats. In turn,

people and animals both depend on a balanced and healthy environment, including clean air and water . The goal of One Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of humans, animals, and the environment through communication, cooperation and collaboration. Partnerships between public health, doctors, veterinarians, environmental scientists, animal control officers, wildlife biologists, livestock managers, and others working in human, animal, or environmental health fields can help achieve the One Health goal.

Arizona strives to be a leader for One Health, and often works closely with animal agriculture, wildlife, and environmental health partners to prevent disease threats and protect human and animal health. To continue and expand these partnerships, Arizona is hosting a One Health Exploration Day for youth ages 13-17 years. One Health Exploration Day will provide youth the opportunity to learn about One Health and zoonotic diseases, explore career opportunities, and practice being disease detectives. Attendees will participate in interactive presentations and activities led by representatives from the Vector-borne & Zoonotic Disease team and Food Safety Program at ADHS, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Arizona Department of Agriculture, Arizona Game & Fish Department, and the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine.

One Health Exploration Day will be hosted on Tuesday August 16th in Phoenix. The event is free. To kick-off our One Health activities and encourage Arizona’s youth to become One Health Champions, ADHS is also hosting a One Health Logo Contest. This contest is open to youth of all ages and prizes will be awarded to the best designs. To apply for participation in One Health Exploration Day and receive guidelines for the logo contest, or for more information about One Health please contact [email protected].