About

Harris County Public Health (HCPH)

Throughout the years, HCPH has responded to public health issues such as rabies, mosquito-borne illnesses, air and water pollution, disease outbreaks, water and food-borne illnesses, natural disasters, tuberculosis, polio, and other communicable diseases. 
Public health is now battling new challenges. Each year brings new diseases, new chronic disease risks, and more natural and man-made disasters.

Latest from

Public Health

IN THE NEWS

Opening obstacles: New Cy-Fair business owners navigate permitting processes

16 Sep, 25

Scott Jeansonne, director of the Environmental Public Health Division for the Harris County Public Health Department, said there were some significant statewide changes to food safety permitting implemented during this year’s legislative session. As a result, public health officials are updating local regulations to comply with state statutes for small businesses, defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration as any for-profit company with fewer than 50-250 employees, depending on industry.

Houston-area officials urge precautions after rabid stray cat found in Greensbrook Place

12 Sep, 25

Harris County Public Health officials urge Houston area residents to take precautions after a stray cat tested positive for rabies — the county's first confirmed case in a domestic animal since 2015.

PRESS RELEASES

Act Now: Keep Pets, People, and Communities Safe from Rabies

23 Sep, 25

HOUSTON – World Rabies Day is on Sept. 28, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and Harris County Pets (HCP) are urging pet owners to take action to protect their pets, families, and community from rabies.

Feral Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Northeast Harris County

12 Sep, 25

A feral cat in the Greensbrook Place area in unincorporated Northeast Harris County has tested positive for rabies. The cat died on Sept. 8, and rabies-positive test results were obtained on Sept. 10. This information is being shared out of an abundance of caution, and the risk to the public at large is low.

ATTN Men: Get Screened During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

04 Sep, 25

September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and HCPH is urging men to take charge of their health through education and screening.

Kickstart Your Health: Creating Healthier Futures for Harris County Kids

03 Sep, 25

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is reminding families that small, healthy choices, like eating nutritious foods and staying active, can make a big difference in children’s lives.

Leah Barton Named Executive Director of Harris County Public Health

02 Sep, 25

Harris County has appointed Leah Barton as the new Executive Director of Harris County Public Health (HCPH), following a year of impactful leadership as Interim Director. During her interim tenure, Director Barton provided steady guidance through a dynamic period for the department, overseeing the expansion of services, the launch of new health initiatives, and the strengthening of stakeholder partnerships.