Vital records are an essential part of public health and play a huge role in the lives of all Arizonans. The ADHS Bureau of Vital Records maintains and issues certified copies of birth and death certificates, among other essential records. Its work also ensures that our epidemiologists and disease experts get timely death registration information to inform responses to public health challenges.
In 2021, the ADHS Bureau of Vital Records became the country’s third state vital records unit to win national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).
Now I’m pleased to share that Krystal Colburn, ADHS Vital Records Bureau Chief and Assistant State Registrar, has been named President-Elect for the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems. When she becomes president in June, Krystal will work with the Executive Director to achieve the organization’s mission and vision, including annual goals and strategic planning.
The National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems advocates for individual jurisdictions, of which there are 57 nationwide, to create vital records policies that are sound and make processes more efficient. Its motto: Protecting Personal Identity, Promoting Public Health.
From 2020 to 2022, Krystal served as Member at Large to the group’s Board of Directors. She received its Rising Star Award in 2018.
“We serve the public at their most joyous and most difficult times,” Krystal says. “We take our important role seriously and with compassion.”
Krystal looks forward to helping the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems advance initiatives including technology advancement, accreditation adoption, and professional development.
Seeing Krystal take on this role further confirms that the ADHS Bureau of Vital Records is a national leader in innovation and excellence when it comes to accurate and timely handling of essential records. I’m proud of her dedication to public health and proud of her bureau’s work on behalf of Arizonans.
Tom Salow is Assistant Director of Licensing and Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Arizona Department of Health Services. He started with ADHS in 2005 as a senior rules analyst, working with a variety of licensing programs to draft, amend, and adopt administrative rules. In 2009, he became the manager for the Office of Administrative Counsel and Rules, helping oversee senior rules analysts, administrative counsel, and policies. He also served as interim legislative liaison for just under a year during this time. After a few years, he moved into the Division of Licensing as Deputy Assistant Director (Branch Chief), overseeing Vital Records, Radiation Control, Child Care Licensing, and Special Licensing. This oversight includes the medical and adult-use marijuana programs, business and finance, and enforcement. He moved into his current role as interim assistant director in January 2022. He continues his duties as Branch Chief but now oversees three additional bureaus: Long-Term Care Licensing, Residential Facilities Licensing, and Medical Facilities Licensing. He also oversees the chief legislative liaison and the manager for the Office of Administrative Counsel and Rules. Tom has a bachelor of science in Justice Studies and a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University. He lives in Phoenix with his two teenage boys.
