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

Harris County Pets expands low-cost spay, neuter services in February

03 Feb, 26

Starting Feb. 3, Harris County Pets—the open-admission animal shelter for unincorporated Harris County—is offering spay and neuter surgeries for $40 per pet performed by licensed veterinarians, per a Feb. 2 news release.

Abandonadas y peligrosas: condado Harris busca eliminar propiedades riesgosas

29 Jan, 26

Los fondos adicionales permitirán al Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado Harris, a través del sistema legal, abordar las propiedades problemáticas de manera más eficiente, exigiendo a los propietarios que cumplan con la normativa o remediando situaciones como entornos insalubres, acumulación excesiva de basura o estructuras que no pueden ser reparadas para garantizar la seguridad.

PRESS RELEASES

Family Resource Fair and Wellness on Wheels bring free health services, family fun, and pet care to southwest Houston on Feb. 7

05 Feb, 26

Commissioner Lesley Briones and Harris County Public Health (HCPH), in collaboration with The Common Market, and The Rose Center for Breast Health Excellence, invite families and pets for a day of health services, freebies, and festivities at the Family Resource Fair and Wellness on
Wheels event this Saturday, Feb. 7.

Heart Your Heart – Prevention Starts with You!

04 Feb, 26

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and in Harris County. Every 34 seconds, one person in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease, and in 2023, more than 919,000 lives were lost nationwide. Beyond its devastating health impact, heart disease also places a significant burden on families and communities, with health care services and medications costing more than $168 billion in recent years. February is American Heart Month, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is encouraging community members to prioritize heart health and take steps to reduce their risk.

Tiny Teeth, Big Futures: The Importance of Early Oral Care

03 Feb, 26

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) joins the nation in recognizing February as
National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). This annual observance serves as a vital
reminder for community members that while tooth decay is a common chronic disease among children,
it is also highly preventable through early intervention and consistent healthy habits.

Harris County Pets Expands Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Services During Observances in February

02 Feb, 26

Harris County Pets (HCP), the open-admission animal shelter for unincorporated Harris County (outside the City of Houston), will offer multiple low-cost spay and neuter opportunities throughout February 2026 in observance of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and Responsible Pet Owners Month.

Get Ready for Winter Weather

21 Jan, 26

The temperature in our area is predicted to drop to dangerously low levels this weekend. Preparing in advance can help you feel more at ease and ensure the safety of you and your family. Extreme cold weather can be hazardous, especially for older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, pets, and water pipes. It’s important to plan for these dangerous weather conditions.