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.

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Public Health

IN THE NEWS

Harris County Public Health work to prevent pill overdoses in youth

24 Dec, 24

According to a new report, substance-involved deaths and healthcare visits have increased in Harris County in recent years. Among youth, the highest overdose rates are in the 15-to-19 age group, and Harris County Public Health believes that easier access to substances that look like prescription pills through social media has led to an increase in fatal overdoses among teenagers.

Report: Harris County has significantly increased substance-involved deaths and healthcare visits

23 Dec, 24

A new report from Harris County Public Health shows a significant increase in substance-involved deaths and healthcare visits in recent years. In 2018, there were 673 deaths related to substance use. In 2022, there were 1,177. According to the report, White, non-Hispanic youth experienced the highest rates of substance-involved healthcare visits.

PRESS RELEASES

Harris County Public Health Releases Substance Use Report

20 Dec, 24

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has released a new report highlighting a significant increase in substance-involved deaths and healthcare visits between 2018 and 2022. During this period, substance-related deaths rose by 74.9%, from 673 deaths in 2018 to 1,177 in 2022, with Harris County reporting consistently higher rates than the Texas average.

Key Findings of Harris County Public Health’s Report on Impacts of Excessive Heat in Harris County

17 Dec, 24

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) announces the publication of its 2024 Health Impacts of Excessive Heat in Harris County report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the growing risks posed by extreme heat events. The report reveals Harris County's average temperature has increased by 0.70 to 0.75°F per decade since 1975, while heat-related illnesses have surged by a staggering 329% between 2019 and 2023.