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

New Harris County COVID-19 Report Shows Over 1 Million Cases Since 2020, Rising Long COVID Highlights Ongoing Health Impact

02 Mar, 26

For many families across Harris County, COVID-19 may feel like a chapter that has closed. But a newly released Harris County Public Health (HCPH) COVID-19 Response and Surveillance Report (2020–2023) makes clear that while overall infections are declining, the long-term effects of the virus continue to shape community health across Houston and surrounding municipalities.

New COVID-19 report analyzes pandemic's impact in Harris County

02 Mar, 26

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has released a new COVID-19 Response and Surveillance Report detailing the county’s COVID-19 and Long COVID trends from 2020 to 2023. The report highlights continued declines in overall COVID-19 activity alongside a steady increase in Long COVID cases, underscoring the ongoing need for public health monitoring, community awareness, and supportive services.

Riverside returns: Historic Houston Negro Hospital restored for a new generation

28 Feb, 26

The revitalized site will provide essential Harris County Public Health services beginning in June, including vaccinations, immunizations, dental care and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening. HCPH’s Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering Self Sufficiency (ACCESS) program will be on site on dedicated days to assist residents experiencing physical and mental health challenges, housing instability, financial hardship, substance abuse and other social inequities.

PRESS RELEASES

HCPH Expands Pet Reunification Efforts by Donating Microchip Scanners to Local Fire Departments

05 Mar, 26

Harris County Public Health (HCPH), through its Veterinary Public Health (VPH) division, is expanding efforts to reunite lost pets with their families by donating microchip scanners to select fire departments in unincorporated Harris County.

Discover the Power of Nutrition: Building Healthier Communities in Harris County

04 Mar, 26

March is National Nutrition Month®, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is encouraging community members to make healthier food choices to improve overall well-being and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Chronic Diseases are Preventable: New Dashboard Tracks Chronic Diseases

03 Mar, 26

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) announces the launch of its online dashboard designed to keep the community informed about chronic disease prevalence and mortality in Harris County (excluding the City of Houston). This resource offers updates on the prevalence and deaths caused by chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.