Harris County Public Health links extreme heat in the county to heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration, while the CDC calls rising summer heat a preventable cause of death and links it to worsening cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends cooling centers during heat waves, especially for low-income, elderly and young populations, and warns that indoor temperatures can become dangerous during a power outage. Residents can call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, use 2-1-1 Texas to search for air-conditioning assistance, or turn to Harris County Public Health’s climate health resources page, which lists Reliant’s Beat the Heat program for eligible seniors, disabled individuals and families without the means to cool their homes. Harris County also opens cooling centers at Harris County Public Library branches when its Heat Plan is activated.

Harris County’s redevelopment of the Riverside campus positions the historic site as a comprehensive health and wellness hub and future home for Harris County Public Health. The renewed campus will offer preventive medicine, immunizations, dental care, mental health and substance-use support, HIV testing and PrEP access, STI testing and treatment, and wraparound navigation through the ACCESS Harris program, which connects residents to healthcare, food security, housing, education, and other critical support.

On Friday, Juneteenth, local leaders explained the services that would be offered on the campus where Riverside Hospital was located.

"Harris County Public Health will be here offering dental services, HIV & STI screenings, immunizations, cancer screenings and a range of other preventative health services," Harris County Public Health Executive Director, Leah Barton, said.

As soccer fans around the world gear up for an exciting summer of competition, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) encourages men to prioritize their health and well-being. During Men's Health Month this June, HCPH is reminding men that preventive checkups and routine screenings—including prostate cancer screenings—can help detect health conditions early, when they are often most treatable.

This summer in Harris County is expected to bring packed stadiums, outdoor festivals, fireworks celebrations, concerts, family vacations, and the FIFA World Cup – drawing thousands of community members and visitors to the Houston area. But along with the excitement of summer comes another serious concern common in this area: dangerous heat and humidity.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is joining communities nationwide in observing Gun Violence Awareness Month this June. The initiative draws critical attention to the growing public health crisis of gun violence and reaffirms HCPH’s commitment to community-based prevention and healing.