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

Discover the Power of Nutrition: How Harris County Residents Can Build Healthier Lives During National Nutrition Month

05 Mar, 26

For many families across Harris County, the path to better health may begin with something simple: what’s on the dinner plate.

March marks National Nutrition Month®, a nationwide campaign led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is using the moment to encourage residents to rethink how everyday food choices shape long-term health, energy, and quality of life. The message behind this year’s theme—“Discover the Power of Nutrition”—is both practical and personal: small changes in eating habits today can help prevent serious health issues tomorrow.

Harris County Expands Pet Reunification Program with Microchip Scanners at Fire Stations

05 Mar, 26

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is expanding efforts to reunite lost pets with their owners by donating microchip scanners to select fire departments in unincorporated areas of Harris County.

The initiative, led by HCPH’s Veterinary Public Health division, will give residents more convenient locations to check whether a found pet has a microchip—potentially helping animals return home faster and reducing the number entering local shelters.

7 weekend events to attend in Tomball, Magnolia, March 6-8

04 Mar, 26

Harris County Public Health and Crossings at Cherry Apartments will be holding a free vaccination campaign with flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
March 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free
1100 S Cherry St., Tomball

PRESS RELEASES

STIs on the Rise: Get Tested and Stay Protected

01 Apr, 26

Harris County continues to outpace the state in HIV and STI rates, with the greatest impact among adults ages 25–44 and disproportionate effects on Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities. These trends mirror broader statewide and national increases, underscoring an urgent need for targeted prevention and care. On the heels of STI Awareness Month, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) notes that current conditions underscore the need for community action, prevention, and awareness.

Harris County Public Health Releases Cancer Assessment Report

24 Mar, 26

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has released a new Cancer Assessment Report detailing localized cancer patterns across the county, with a specific focus on 66 census tracts in East Harris County (EHC) from 2010 to 2020. The report highlights the use of a new, localized data approach to identify specific communities with elevated cancer rates, providing essential information for public health monitoring and environmental assessment.

TB Ends with Us: Taking Action to Eliminate Tuberculosis

20 Mar, 26

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) joins organizations around the world in recognizing World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on Tuesday, March 24, raising awareness about one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases and encouraging community action to prevent its spread.