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

Mobile Health Units Deliver Essential Care to Harris County Communities

25 Aug, 25

Leah Barton, Interim Director of Harris County Public Health, shares how mobile health units are breaking barriers and expanding care across the county.

Harris County Expands HART Crisis Response Program to Serve All Unincorporated Areas

11 Aug, 25

In moments of crisis, the right kind of help can change the outcome — and sometimes, that help isn’t a police officer with flashing lights. It’s a trained professional arriving with a calm voice, a clipboard, and a willingness to listen. That’s the foundation of Harris County’s Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART), a program that has been reshaping local emergency response since 2022.

PRESS RELEASES

Protecting Our Water: National Water Quality Safety Month Kicks Off

06 Aug, 25

Harris County Public Health encourages community members to take an active role in protecting and maintaining the quality of our water—whether from public systems or private wells.

HCPH Hosts Sheldon Health Hub Open House on Aug. 9 to Help Families Prepare for the New School Year

05 Aug, 25

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) invites families to a special Open House at the Sheldon Health Hub this Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend the event, which will offer free back-to-school health services for those who qualify and an opportunity to learn more about the vital care available at this new clinic.

Breastfeeding Builds Stronger Communities

04 Aug, 25

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) proudly joins communities across the nation in celebrating National Breastfeeding Month this August, declared on August 6, 2011, by the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). This year's theme, "Forward Together," focuses on unity, solidarity, and hope, and celebrates the collaboration of organizations across the nation in promoting strong breastfeeding practices and support systems.

National Immunization Awareness Month: Your Health. Your Future.

01 Aug, 25

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is encouraging all community members to protect themselves, their families, and their pets by staying current on vaccinations. Vaccines are a safe, effective way to prevent serious diseases and keep everyone healthier, especially young children, older adults, and those with weaker immune systems. Staying up to date on routine vaccinations helps stop the spread of illness across neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.

‘Clear the Shelters’ Returns this August

01 Aug, 25

Harris County Pets (HCP), operated by the Veterinary Public Health (VPH) Division of Harris County Public Health (HCPH), is excited to once again take part in the annual Clear the Shelters event. Now in its 11th year, this nationwide event led by NBCUniversal Local and Telemundo helps find loving homes for countless animals in shelters throughout the country.