Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / Department / Health / Houston / Texas

Health Department In Houston Texas

  • Overview of the Houston Health Department
  • Services Provided by the Houston Health Department
  • Public Health Initiatives in Houston
  • Emergency Preparedness in the Houston Health Department
  • Community Health Programs Offered in Houston
  • Clinical Services Provided by the Houston Health Department
  • Resources for Infectious Disease Control in Houston
  • Environmental Health and Safety Measures in Houston
  • Health Education and Promotion in Houston
  • Collaborations and Partnerships in the Houston Health Department

Overview of the Houston Health Department

The Houston Health Department (HHD) is the local public health agency for the city of Houston, Texas. Its mission is to promote and protect the health and well-being of Houston's diverse communities by providing comprehensive public health services and programs. The department has a staff of over 800 professionals, including physicians, nurses, epidemiologists, environmental health specialists, and social workers. HHD operates under the leadership of the Houston Health Authority, a board of health appointed by Mayor Sylvester Turner and confirmed by the City Council.

Services Provided by the Houston Health Department

HHD offers a wide range of services to address the health needs of Houstonians. These include:

  • Immunizations and vaccine-preventable disease control
  • Communicable disease investigation and control
  • Maternal and child health services
  • Tuberculosis screening and treatment
  • HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and counseling
  • Chronic disease prevention and management
  • Environmental health inspections and enforcement
  • Emergency preparedness and response
  • Health education and promotion
  • Clinical services, including primary care, dental care, and behavioral health

Public Health Initiatives in Houston

HHD leads several public health initiatives in Houston aimed at improving the health of the community. One such initiative is Healthy Houston, which focuses on reducing health disparities and promoting healthy behaviors. The program includes a community health assessment, strategic planning, and implementation of evidence-based interventions in areas such as obesity prevention, tobacco control, and access to healthy food. Another initiative is the Houston Food Bank, which partners with HHD to distribute nutritious food to low-income residents in need.

Emergency Preparedness in the Houston Health Department

HHD plays a critical role in emergency preparedness and response in Houston. The department works closely with local, state, and federal partners to develop and implement plans for natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other public health emergencies. HHD's Emergency Operations Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by trained professionals who can quickly mobilize resources and coordinate response efforts. The department also conducts regular training and exercises to ensure readiness and improve response capabilities.

Community Health Programs Offered in Houston

HHD offers a variety of community health programs to address the unique needs of Houston's diverse population. These programs include:

  • The Houston Area Community Services (HACS) program, which provides primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services to low-income and uninsured residents
  • The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which offers nutrition education and support to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children
  • The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, which conducts blood lead testing and provides education and resources to prevent lead exposure in children
  • The Asthma Management Program, which provides education and resources to help people with asthma manage their condition and avoid triggers

Clinical Services Provided by the Houston Health Department

HHD operates several clinics throughout Houston that offer a range of clinical services to residents. These services include:

  • Primary care, including preventive care, sick visits, and chronic disease management for adults and children
  • Dental care, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures
  • Behavioral health services, including counseling and medication management for mental health conditions
  • STI and HIV testing and treatment
  • Tuberculosis screening and treatment
  • Immunizations and vaccine-preventable disease control

Resources for Infectious Disease Control in Houston

HHD provides resources and support for infectious disease control in Houston. The department collaborates with healthcare providers, laboratories, and other partners to monitor and control the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, and tuberculosis. HHD also conducts disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, and contact tracing to identify and contain outbreaks. In addition, the department offers education and resources to the public on how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Environmental Health and Safety Measures in Houston

HHD is responsible for ensuring the safety and health of Houston's environment. The department conducts inspections and enforces regulations related to food safety, water quality, air pollution, hazardous waste, and vector control. HHD also responds to environmental health complaints and emergencies, such as chemical spills and natural disasters, to protect public health. In addition, the department provides education and resources to the public on how to reduce environmental health risks and promote sustainability.

Health Education and Promotion in Houston

HHD offers a variety of health education and promotion programs to empower Houstonians to take control of their health. These programs include:

  • The Let's Beat Diabetes program, which provides diabetes education and support to individuals and families affected by the disease
  • The Tobacco 21 program, which aims to reduce youth tobacco use by raising the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 21
  • The Houston Teens Matter program, which provides comprehensive sexual health education and support to teenagers and their families
  • The Healthy Start program, which offers resources and support to pregnant women and new mothers to ensure healthy pregnancies and healthy babies

Collaborations and Partnerships in the Houston Health Department

HHD collaborates with a wide range of partners to address public health challenges in Houston. The department works closely with healthcare providers, community organizations, schools, businesses, and government agencies to develop and implement programs and initiatives that promote health and prevent disease. Some of HHD's key partners include the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Houston Food Bank, and local hospitals and clinics.

People Also Ask About Health Department in Houston, Texas

What services does the Houston Health Department offer?

The Houston Health Department offers a range of services such as immunizations, STD testing and treatment, family planning, restaurant inspections, animal control, and emergency preparedness.

How do I schedule an appointment with the Houston Health Department?

You can schedule an appointment with the Houston Health Department by calling their main phone number at (832) 393-5169. You can also visit their website to schedule an appointment online.

What is the Houston Health Department's role during a public health emergency?

The Houston Health Department plays a critical role in responding to public health emergencies such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and bioterrorism events. They work closely with other agencies to provide emergency medical care, distribute medications and vaccines, and educate the public on how to stay safe during an emergency.

How can I report a health code violation in Houston?

You can report a health code violation in Houston by contacting the Houston Health Department's Bureau of Consumer Health Services at (832) 393-5100. You can also file a complaint online through their website.

What is the Houston Health Department doing to address the opioid epidemic?

The Houston Health Department is working to address the opioid epidemic through a variety of strategies such as increasing access to medication-assisted treatment, providing naloxone to first responders and community members, and implementing public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse.