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Texas Depart Of State Health Services

  • About Texas Department of State Health Services
  • History of DSHS
  • Organization and Structure of DSHS
  • Programs and Services Offered by DSHS
  • Publications and Reports by DSHS
  • Health Data and Statistics Provided by DSHS
  • DSHS Resources for Public Health and Healthcare Professionals
  • DSHS News and Announcements
  • DSHS Careers and Employment Opportunities
  • Contacting DSHS

About Texas Department of State Health Services

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the public health of Texans. The agency is committed to preventing and controlling the spread of diseases, improving access to quality healthcare, and providing accurate and reliable health data and statistics to inform policy decisions.

History of DSHS

The history of DSHS dates back to 1903 when the Texas Legislature established the State Board of Health to address public health concerns in the state. Over the years, the agency underwent several changes in its name and structure. In 2004, the Texas Legislature merged the Texas Department of Health and the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation to form the current Texas Department of State Health Services.

Organization and Structure of DSHS

DSHS is organized into several divisions and offices that work together to achieve the agency's mission. The divisions include the Center for Health Statistics, the Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, the Environmental and Consumer Safety Division, the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Division, and the Regulatory Services Division.

Programs and Services Offered by DSHS

DSHS offers a wide range of programs and services to promote and protect the public health of Texans. Some of the programs include immunizations, family planning, tuberculosis control, cancer prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention and care, and women's health. The agency also provides resources and support for mental health and substance abuse treatment, emergency preparedness and response, and environmental health and safety.

Publications and Reports by DSHS

DSHS produces a variety of publications and reports to inform the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about important public health issues. These include the Texas Health Data website, which provides access to health statistics and data for the state, as well as reports on topics such as infectious diseases, environmental health, and chronic disease.

Health Data and Statistics Provided by DSHS

DSHS is a valuable source of health data and statistics for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. The agency provides data on a variety of topics, including births, deaths, infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and environmental health. The Texas Health Data website also provides interactive tools for exploring and analyzing health data.

DSHS Resources for Public Health and Healthcare Professionals

DSHS offers a range of resources and support for public health and healthcare professionals in Texas. These include training and certification programs, technical assistance and consultation, and access to health data and statistics. The agency also provides guidance and resources for responding to public health emergencies and outbreaks.

DSHS News and Announcements

DSHS regularly updates its website with news and announcements related to public health in Texas. This includes information about new programs and services offered by the agency, updates on disease outbreaks or public health emergencies, and news about research and policy developments in the field of public health.

DSHS Careers and Employment Opportunities

DSHS offers a variety of career opportunities for individuals interested in working in public health. The agency employs professionals in a range of fields, including epidemiology, environmental health, laboratory sciences, and healthcare administration. DSHS also offers internships and other opportunities for students and recent graduates.

Contacting DSHS

Individuals and organizations can contact DSHS through the agency's website or by phone. The agency's website provides a directory of contacts for specific programs and services, as well as information on how to report public health concerns or request assistance. The agency also maintains regional offices throughout the state to provide local support and services.

Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Department of State Health Services

What services does the Texas Department of State Health Services provide?

The Texas Department of State Health Services provides a wide range of health services, including disease prevention and control, health promotion, environmental health, and emergency preparedness and response.

How can I get a birth or death certificate from the Texas Department of State Health Services?

You can order a birth or death certificate online, by mail, or in person at any Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics office. The fees and requirements vary depending on the type of certificate you need.

What is the Texas Immunization Registry?

The Texas Immunization Registry (ImmTrac2) is a secure electronic record-keeping system that stores immunization records for Texas residents of all ages. It helps healthcare providers keep track of their patients' immunization status and ensures that they receive timely and appropriate vaccinations.

How can I report a public health concern to the Texas Department of State Health Services?

You can report a public health concern, such as a disease outbreak or environmental hazard, to the Texas Department of State Health Services by calling their toll-free hotline at 1-800-252-8239 or by submitting an online complaint form on their website.