According to a new report, substance-involved deaths and healthcare visits have increased in Harris County in recent years. Among youth, the highest overdose rates are in the 15-to-19 age group, and Harris County Public Health believes that easier access to substances that look like prescription pills through social media has led to an increase in fatal overdoses among teenagers.

A new report from Harris County Public Health shows a significant increase in substance-involved deaths and healthcare visits in recent years. In 2018, there were 673 deaths related to substance use. In 2022, there were 1,177. According to the report, White, non-Hispanic youth experienced the highest rates of substance-involved healthcare visits.

Substance-related deaths in Harris County rose 74.9% between 2018-22, increasing from 673 deaths to 1,177 deaths, according to a new report released Dec. 20 by Harris County Public Health.

A fire that happened at the Bluebonnet Petrochemical Solutions plant, near Main and Hunt Roads, has led to the discovery of two chemicals leaking into a drainage area, the city said in a statement on Saturday.

Harris County Public Health and other supporting agencies were called in to investigate and test private water wells in the area, the statement said.

The modified program would provide nearly 2,000 families living below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, who were already selected for the program, with $500 monthly payments through preloaded debit cards. Payments under the revised program were set to start going out in January.

Health classes will be offered at different points throughout the year at the new Humble Senior Activity Center, including an upcoming partnership with Harris County Public Health that will provide classes on diabetes and diabetes prevention set to begin next year.

HCPH recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated is also especially important for pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with certain medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic lung disease, who are at higher risk of developing serious complications.

With holiday season in full swing, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is urging residents to take preventive measures against the flu and other respiratory viruses by getting their annual flu vaccine. Although current trends in Texas and Harris County show that flu cases remain relatively low compared to previous seasons, health experts stress that flu viruses are constantly evolving, making it essential to get vaccinated each year to help protect yourself and your loved ones during the holidays.

Nine animal welfare organizations across the Greater Houston area are offering reduced-fee pet adoptions until Dec. 17, as part of the Bissell Pet Foundation's annual Empty the Shelters-Holiday Hope event. Harris County Pets, resourced by Harris County Public Health (HCPH), is waiving adoptions for all pets now through December 17.

This December, Harris County Pets (HCP) is teaming up with the BISSELL Pet Foundation to bring some holiday cheer to homeless animals in the community through the Empty the Shelters™ event. Running now through December 17, this national event offers reduced adoption fees, and for the first time this year, Harris County Pets is waiving adoption fees entirely for all adoptable animals at its facility.

El departamento de salud del condado Harris asegura que trabaja para crear conciencia sobre la prevención. En temas como utilizar protección en relaciones sexuales, ofrecer pruebas y medicamentos gratuitos para prevenir y luchar contra este virus. Si deseas más información puede llamar al 832- 927-7350.

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the challenges that premature births pose to families and communities. In Harris County, the statistics are concerning: in 2022, the preterm birth rate was 12.1%, higher than the national average of 10.4%, with one in every eight babies born prematurely. The impact of preterm birth is not only physical but emotional and financial, as families often face health complications for their infants, as well as the stress of managing healthcare and long-term care.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has unveiled its 2024-2029 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), a comprehensive initiative designed to address the most pressing health challenges facing the county over the next five years. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and equity, the plan focuses on three key health areas: health insurance and care access, preventative care, and mental health. The plan is the result of extensive data collection, community input, and collaboration with local stakeholders and is aimed at improving health outcomes for all residents, particularly those in underserved communities.

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the challenges that premature births pose to families and communities. In Harris County, the statistics are concerning: in 2022, the preterm birth rate was 12.1%, higher than the national average of 10.4%, with one in every eight babies born prematurely.

Heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer are the top leading causes of death in Harris County, according to the latest chronic disease report. Harris County Public Health will host two webinars this month to discuss the report’s findings with the public.

Commissioners Court of Harris County recently approved the allocation of $1.1 million to animal control efforts in Harris County Precinct 3, as disclosed by the Office of Planning and Innovation at Harris County Public Health (HCPH). The funding, requested on September 19, 2024, is geared towards an enhanced animal control strategy developed by HCPH after consultations with its Veterinary Public Health (VPH) division.

As part of the organization’s commitment to fighting diabetes, HCPH offers the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), designed to help individuals at risk make sustainable lifestyle changes. The DPP provides participants with education on healthy eating, physical activity, and behavior changes to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

In recognition of November as American Diabetes Month, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is committed to raising awareness about diabetes, a significant public health concern affecting millions of Americans. With nearly 37 million people living with diabetes in the United States, it is important to increase understanding and promote prevention efforts throughout the community.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has released a comprehensive report studying chronic diseases in Harris County. Titled the "2024 Chronic Diseases in Harris County, Texas" report, it dives deep into the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting the community, examining the data collected from 2016 to 2024.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) reminds residents of the importance of water safety as we approach summer and families head outdoors for recreational activities. May is National Water Safety Month, and HCPH is committed to educating the community and promoting awareness to prevent drownings.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is proud to join the national movement to raise awareness about mental health and well-being in observance of May as Mental Health Month.

Once filing the complaint, Harris County Public Health said it will investigate the issue and issue a nuisance notification to the property owner, which will give them 30 days to eliminate the nuisance.

A five-year federal grant totaling nearly $5.5 million was awarded to Harris County Public Health from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on April 30 to improve maternal and infant health in the county.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced Harris County Public Health (HCPH) was awarded a five-year grant totaling approximately $5 million to improve maternal and infant health through its Healthy Start Program.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) announces the release of its 2024 Vector-Borne Disease report, providing valuable information on vector-borne disease trends and prevention strategies in Harris County.

A district judge on Thursday ruled Harris County's new guaranteed income program can proceed, denying the Texas Attorney General Office's request for a temporary injunction. The state sued Harris County earlier this month, arguing the initiative to provide financial assistance to low-income residents violated a Texas statute prohibiting gifts of public funds.

With temperatures rising, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) reminds residents that mosquito season is upon us. While mosquitoes are present year-round, their peak activity coincides with warmer weather, typically from May through October. This increases the chance of mosquito-borne disease transmission.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is excited to announce the launch of the Harris County Maternal Health Bill of Rights (MHBoR), an essential resource for community members and healthcare providers. Every family deserves a safe and joyful experience during their journey of parenthood. However, this is not always the case, as some birthing persons face the most devastating outcomes.

Dog biting is more common than you may think. According to the American Veterinary Association, every year, close to 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs.

Statistics also show that over 800,000 get medical treatment after the dog bite. There are several reasons that can cause a dog to bite such as stress, hunger, fear, sickness or even soreness from an injury. Because of this behavior, Harris County Public Health is urging pet owners to keep your dogs and cats restrained or leashed in unincorporated areas of Harris County.

Despite being home to the largest medical center in the world, Harris County has the worst Black maternal and infant mortality outcomes, consistently exceeding state or national averages since 2016, a newly released maternal and infant health report by Harris County Public Health confirmed.

La temporada de mosquitos ha llegado, trayendo consigo un aumento en el riesgo de contraer enfermedades transmitidas por estos molestos insectos.

Según expertos en salud pública, las altas temperaturas y las lluvias frecuentes han creado condiciones óptimas para la proliferación de mosquitos en toda la región.

It's that time again. Mosquito season is back and this year, experts are predicting it to be a busy one.

On Tuesday, Harris County Public Health shared their plan to beat the bite and help keep families safe.

HCPH Executive Director Barbie Robinson said the Houston area is perfect breeding conditions for the pesky flying insects.

Harris County officials are warning against a potential influx in mosquito-borne diseases as temperatures begin to rise throughout the region.

According to Max Vigilant, director of Harris County Public Health's Mosquito Control division, the agency is expecting a higher number of cases involving mosquito-borne diseases over the next few months, typically from May through October. He said the county usually sees a two-year low in the number of cases and that we’re due for another spike this year.

Con el aumento de las temperaturas también suele incrementar la población de los mosquitos, por lo que autoridades ya están pidiendo precaución a la comunidad para evitar picaduras peligrosas. Hablamos con una experta sobre cómo puedes proteger a tu familia.

Summer is typically the time of year when families enjoy numerous outdoor activities, like swimming, cookouts, outings at an event, and other seasonal pastimes. However, along with these activities come the heat, humidity, and … those pesky mosquitoes!

Stark county statistics were provided by public health officials April 12 at the second Maternal and Child Health Conference hosted by Harris County Public Health and other county agencies: 1 in 8 babies born in Harris County are born preterm or before the gestational age of 37 weeks. Alongside the state's rising infant mortality rate, a national report card by the nonprofit March of Dimes gave Harris County an "F" letter grade.

Summer is typically the time of year when families enjoy numerous outdoor activities, like swimming, cookouts, outings at an event, and other seasonal pastimes. However, along with these activities come the heat, humidity, and … those pesky mosquitoes!

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will announce the start of the 2024 mosquito season during a press conference on April 16 at the department’s Mosquito and Vector Control Division (MVCD). HCPH reminds all residents to do their part to control the mosquito population and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne disease by practicing simple prevention measures.

Harris County Public Health is introducing a “Maternal Health Bill of Rights” to bring awareness to high maternal and infant mortality rates in the Houston area.

The new document was introduced during the second Maternal and Child Health Conference. The first conference was held last year, and had a focus on Black maternal mortality rates.

Black Maternal Health Week, led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, is observed annually from April 11-17. This observance seeks to shed light on the challenges encountered by Black birthing persons and new parents, who are disproportionately affected by racial inequities and a lack of access to resources.

National Public Health Week is an annual celebration the first week of April to celebrate the work of public health workers by highlighting how their contributions cause positive impacts within the community.

Nearly 2,000 recipients who have low income were chosen to receive $500 monthly through the Uplift Harris program and FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan spoke with a few of them about how they hope the funds will aid their lives.

The Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, administered by HCPH, is among the programs listed.

National Public Health Week (NPHW) is an annual celebration that takes place the first week of April. It is celebrated around the country and recognizes public health workers, programs, departments, and the impacts they have in each community.

April is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Month and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) joins forces with agencies across the country to highlight this public health concern, especially among young people. In a Texas Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) (also known as STI) Surveillance report, Harris County was ranked as the county with the highest STI case count in 2022 for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and total syphilis.

Nearly 2,000 families in Texas will soon begin receiving $500 per month as part of a new anti-poverty initiative. Residents of Harris County, which encompasses the majority of Houston, who have been selected for the Uplift Harris guaranteed income program will begin receiving their funds in April, officials have confirmed, according to a report by the Houston Chronicle.

Uplift Harris, a program created to benefit low-income residents of Harris County, Texas - a county that encompasses Houston - will provide support to 1,928 households. Chosen through a random lottery, the beneficiaries will receive $500 a month in cash payments for 18 months.

Uplift Harris is Harris County’s first guaranteed income program where eligible households will receive $500 a month for 18 months. Over 82,000 applications were submitted for the program. Brandon Maddox with Harris County Public Health said the majority of those applications came from the 10 targeted ZIP codes.

Harris County in Texas has confirmed the Stimulus Check payment of $500, which will be sent throughout the next 18 months. During this timeframe, the county’s Uplift Harris Pilot will provide eligible families from Texas with this financial aid payment if they meet the requirements.
Under the Uplift Harris guaranteed income pilot, participating households will get $500 a month for 18 months. Direct cash assistance programs provide wide-ranging social and financial advantages for participating families and the larger community, as demonstrated by similar programs across the nation.

More than 1,900 eligible Harris County households living below 200% of the federal poverty line, or approximately $60,000 for a family of four, were selected from a two-stage lottery system as award recipients for Harris County's guaranteed income pilot program. Harris County Public Health received more than 82,500 applications in total.

The Wellness on Wheels Mobile Health Event is set to roll into the Deputy Darren Almendarez Community Center on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event, hosted by Harris County Public Health (HCPH), promises a day of affordable health services and free entertainment for the whole family.

Harris County Public Health will be hosting a free mobile health services initiative called Wellness on Wheels, which aims to increase access to services among communities officials deem a priority.

In a 2023 health disparities annual report released by the Harris County Public Health department, officials said the conditions of where people live and work can have significant effects on one’s health and overall quality of life. Air pollution also impacts residents’ health care costs, according to researchers with Air Alliance Houston.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is asking all county residents aged 18 and over to share their insights in a community health survey, which runs now through April 12. Participants can choose to be entered into a drawing to receive grocery gift cards. The drawing will give away 20 $100 grocery gift cards following the survey period.

March is National Nutrition Month® and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is emphasizing the importance of making healthy food choices and developing physical activity habits for a healthier life.

A free mobile health program is coming to every precinct this year that will be offering communities-in-need with two different services: fresh food boxes from locally sourced family-owned farms and preventative mammograms.

Among these applications, 57,509 came from the 10 eligible ZIP codes designated for the program. Apart from that, 137 additional applications were received from ACCESS Harris County program participants, who will be considered under the ACCESS Harris County cohort of Uplift Harris.

The Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, a transformative initiative offering $500 monthly payments to eligible residents in need, closed its application process on Feb. 2, receiving an overwhelming response of over 82,500 applications.

More than 82,500 residents applied for Uplift Harris, Harris County's guaranteed income pilot program, in which selected families from 10 low-income ZIP codes will receive $500 monthly cash payments for 18 months.

Harris County's guaranteed basic income program received more than 82,000 applications from residents before the online portal closed this month.

Uplift Harris plans to send $500 a month to over 1,900 households in an 18-month span. Applicants, who will learn if they were selected in March, were required to be living 200% below the federal poverty line and in one of the top 10 high-poverty ZIP codes in Harris County. Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services processed over 70,000 Uplift Harris applications, according to a Houston Public Media report.

"HCPH collaborates with Pollution Control Services (PCS) to address environmental health concerns in Harris County. PCS does in-field air monitoring that HCPH uses in conjunction with health surveillance data to measure health impacts during chemical incidents. Additionally, both organizations are working together to improve data sharing and expand chemical datasets necessary for emergency response and assessing health risks," Robinson said.

February is recognized across the United States as National Children’s Dental Health Month. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) works to ensure community members know the benefits of good oral health for children, their caregivers, teachers, and others.

Harris County's Uplift Harris program, which is set to provide $500 monthly payments to low-income households for a span of 18 months, is seeing a surge of interest. According to the Houston Chronicle, the program has attracted over 76,000 applications, though the window for submitting applications closes sharply at 11:59 p.m. today.

Harris County residents are running out of time to apply for Uplift Harris, a program that will provide $500 monthly payments to low-income households for 18 months. The online portal closes today at 11:59 p.m.

Harris County Pets will host five low-cost spay and neuter events throughout February in observance of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and Responsible Pet Owners Month.

Harris County Pets Resource Center (HCP), the open-admission animal shelter for unincorporated Harris County, will offer five low-cost spay and neuter events in February in observance of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and Responsible Pet Owners Month.

Maternal health is a critical issue that requires urgent attention in Harris County, according to the arris County Public Health (HCPH). In recognition of Maternal Health Awareness Day, HCPH will participate nationwide to raise awareness, promote education, and advocate for improved maternal care by hosting a virtual webinar for the Harris County community.

Harris County has opened Applications for the Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Pilot Program starting Friday, January 12th. The Pilot Program is to Provide Monthly Cash Support to Eligible Households Struggling with Poverty.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has received over 48,000 applications during the first three days of the Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Pilot program application window.

Uplift Harris will distribute $500 a month in guaranteed cash payments to nearly 2,000 eligible low-income households for 18 months. Eligible applicants must live below 200% of the federal poverty line, which is about $60,000 for a household of four. You also have to be at least 18 years old.

Harris County's pilot program to help low-income families launched on Friday, Jan. 12. Uplift Harris provides a no-strings-attached, monthly cash payment of $500 to those who qualify. The money will be provided for 18 months.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Harris County Public Health Executive Director Barbie Robinson discussed Uplift Harris a day before eligible households can start applying for the guaranteed income program.

The $20.5 million pilot program, called “Uplift Harris,” will randomly select 1,928 low-income residents from its pool of applicants. These participants will receive $500 in monthly cash assistance for 18 months.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths for women in the United States. Harris County Public Health wants to make sure our community gets informed, screened, and vaccinated.

Harris County is launching a guaranteed-income program Monday that will give certain low-income households a $500 monthly stipend in hopes of providing a financial cushion that can help close the wealth gap. The program, Uplift Harris, is being funded through $20.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. It will run for 18 months and provide the stipends to more than 1,900 randomly selected households that live below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

El condado de Harris, en Texas, anunció un programa de estímulo económico que beneficiará a un gran número de sus residentes con pagos de $9,000 dólares.

Cervical Cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths for women in the United States. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) wants to ensure community members get informed, screened, and vaccinated.

Select community members living in Harris County’s top 10 most poverty-stricken ZIP codes will be eligible to apply online Jan. 8 for Uplift Harris, the county's income assistance program. Harris County Public Health is running the initiative, and officials said the goal is to improve participants’ financial and health outcomes.

“With the increasing number of animals in shelters, pet adoptions, foster programming, and volunteer efforts are more important than ever,” Harris County veterinary public health director Corey Steele said in a statement. “But adoption isn’t the only solution. We must also take responsibility for our pets by spaying and neutering them. This simple act can prevent countless animals from suffering on the streets or ending up in shelters.”

Of the $141.5 million Harris County has allocated to health services, $25.1 million went to launch ACCESS Harris County. The agency partners with various organizations across the Houston area to provide the county’s vulnerable population with comprehensive services, including primary care assistance, substance abuse counseling, mental health services, housing, shelter services and food assistance.

Esto sería bajo el programa Uplift Harris y los residentes elegibles podrán aplicar en enero del 2024

Harris County is about to launch a new program that will provide $500 a month to hundreds of low-income residents for 18 months. The cash payments from Uplift Harris are tax-free and can be used for living expenses and other necessities.

Se espera que, en enero de 2024, poco más de 1,900 hogares de bajos ingresos puedan aplicar al programa ‘Uplift Harris’, a través del cual otorgarán $500 al mes durante un año y medio. Brandon Maddox, del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Harris, dice que las familias que habitan en ciertos códigos postales deben completar un formulario para optar por el beneficio. Asimismo, explica cómo serán seleccionados los beneficiarios y a partir de cuándo empezarán a recibir la ayuda.

Harris County Public Health's 2023 Health Disparities Report states that health outcomes in the county are affected by various factors. Certain racial and ethnic minority groups experience higher rates of poor health and sickness for different health conditions, according to the report.

Harris County is launching a new program to help families with their financial insecurities. Uplift Harris is a guaranteed income/direct cash assistance pilot that allows participating households to receive $500 per month for 18 months. Similar programs across the country have shown that direct cash assistance programs deliver wide-ranging social and financial benefits for participating families and the broader community.

In a statement to FOX 26, Harris County Veterinary Public Health said, "Harris County Veterinary Public Health responded to a call from the owner of a deceased dog who was attacked by another dog on December 7, 2023, from a neighboring property on Breda Drive in Baytown. The investigating animal control officer (ACO) went to the home of the owner of the attacking dog but was unable to make contact. The ACO left a notification on the owner’s door with animal control’s contact information.”

According to Harris County Public Health, getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect you and loved ones from getting the flu. HCPH says that it takes two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection from the virus in your body. The recommendation is that anyone six months and older get a flu vaccine. The CDC says that it’s safe to get additional seasonal shots such as COVID-19 and RSV at the same time.

Harris County will start its guaranteed basic income program in 2024, while many counties and cities around the country experiment with similar concepts to provide financial relief for low-income families. The $20.5 million Uplift Harris program is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

Decorating your living space can be a fun way to show your holiday spirit and enjoy the holiday season. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) encourages community members to consider these holiday decorating and fire safety tips to ensure you and your loved ones decorate and celebrate responsibly.

Flu cases are increasing in many parts of the country, including in Harris County. As we are in the holiday season, getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick with the flu. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection in your body, so schedule an appointment right away!

Harris County officials are cleaning up one northeast Harris County community by knocking down an abandoned apartment building as part of the nuisance property abatement program.

Harris County Public Health stated that the building's property manager was contacted to have the dumpster area treated. HCPH is expected to follow up within 10 days of the initial report to inspect the area and make sure the property has been treated.

Animal welfare advocates and law enforcement agencies came together to remind folks about the ongoing enforcement of the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) now offers the updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. The updated vaccines are free at HCPH for community members 6 months and older without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs.

Public health entities are reminding the public this holiday season that foodborne illnesses can spoil good times with family, friends and food if proper food safety is not observed, officials said in a Nov. 15 release from Harris County Public Health.

The Harris County Public Health program offers a violence prevention program that does not rely on law enforcement. Instead, it follows a national model already in place in other major cities, like Los Angeles and Chicago, where public health officials work to connect hospitalized violent crime victims with outreach specialists, referred to as “credible messengers,” who are community members living in neighborhoods experiencing gun violence.

On its one-year anniversary, Harris County officials highlighted the success of the program and how it helps reduce gun violence.

As community members and pet owners around Harris County enjoy the fall weather and time outdoors this holiday season, Harris County Public Health’s (HCPH) Veterinary Public Health Division (VPH) reminds residents of important bite prevention methods and local leash laws in Harris County.

The Community Violence Interruption Program, a pilot program from Harris County Public Health estimated to cost about $6 million, explores solutions to gun violence that work with law enforcement and engage in community outreach and hospital-based intervention.

Amidst the nationwide rollback of reproductive rights, Harris County is taking a bold stance by establishing a $6 million Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund. This fund, managed by Harris County Public Health, aims to bolster healthcare services and education in response to the stringent abortion restrictions imposed in Texas post-Roe v. Wade.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) encourages its residents to practice healthy behaviors during the month of November, which is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

The Harris County Public Health Department’s Director of Environmental Public Health, which oversees food inspections, said they received the complaint Thursday morning. “In this case, the complaint was that this individual found a screw in their food,” Scott Jeansonne said. “We go and do a full-on investigation inspection of the entire facility just like we would with one of our routine inspections, but we will ask specific questions or look into specific issues that may have caused whatever the complaint is.”

Harris County responds to the nation- wide rollback of reproductive rights with a robust $6 million Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund, managed by Harris County Public Health.

According to the Harris County Public Health's Maternal and Infant Health Report, preterm birth and low birthweight are among the leading causes of infant mortality in non-Hispanic Black infants, whereas these causes rank second in non-Hispanic White and Hispanic infants in Harris County

The Harris County Public Health Department will offer the new and updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for free to those who don’t have insurance or are underinsured.

Harris County's Food Safety and Inspection Program will now handle inspection and permitting for Bellaire's food establishments after an agreement between the two municipalities was approved by Harris County Commissioners Court on Oct. 10.

Harris County Public Health now offers the latest COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which were updated in September.

The updated COVID-19 vaccines are free of charge at Harris County Public Health if residents don’t have health insurance or their insurance does not cover the full cost.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) now offers the updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. The updated vaccines are free at HCPH for community members 6 months and older without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs.

Harris County Public Health is now offering the updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines that were approved last month by the FDA and CDC. The vaccines are designed to protect against the Omicron variant and other circulating strains, and they are recommended for everyone six months or older who have completed their primary vaccine series.

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a perfect opportunity to welcome a new furry friend into your home while supporting animal welfare initiatives. Two local organizations, Best Friends Animal Society and Harris County Pets (HCP), are at the forefront of the cause.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is offering FREE clinical breast cancer screenings at their HCPH Humble, Southeast, and Antoine clinics, the East and Northeast Harris County Precinct 2 Access2Health Smart Pods, and the mobile clinic located in Cypress Station.

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is raising awareness about SIDS and providing information on prevention strategies to protect infants and families in our community. SIDS is a tragic incident when a baby under the age of 1 dies suddenly without any known cause, even after a thorough investigation.

Harris County Public Health's Lead Hazard Control Program uses funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and, more recently, the Biden administration's American Rescue Plan to test residences for lead-based paint hazards and, when necessary, to remediate them.

Harris County's Veterinary Public Health Division transported the 22 dogs to the Houston Humane Society, where they are now receiving medical attention.

Las adopciones se llevarán a cabo de lunes a domingo en Harris County Pets.

Harris County Public Health is offering FREE clinical breast cancer screenings to eligible residents during October. The screenings will be available at HCPH Humble, Southeast, and Antoine clinics, the East and Northeast Harris County Precinct 2 Access2Health Smart Pods, and the mobile clinic located in Cypress Station.

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and as part of this observance, Harris County Pets (HCP) is waiving adoption fees for all dogs and cats from October 1-15 during the national “Empty the Shelters” adoption event hosted by BISSELL Pet Foundation.

Harris County Public Health's Substance Use Prevention Program screened more than 16,850 patients from October 2021-May 2023. During that same time period, 430 doses of naloxone were distributed to patients. Naloxone, also commonly known as NARCAN, is used to reverse the effects of opioids in an emergency situation.

In observance of World Rabies Day today, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and Harris County Pets (HCP) remind pet owners to keep their furry companions up to date with their rabies vaccines and protect them from the virus.

ULI Houston partnered with Harris County Public Health, the Houston Land Bank, and the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, and convened community residents and real estate leaders to build trust and chart a more equitable future for the Settegast community.

Gloria Zenteno, executive director of the animal advocacy organization Barrio Dogs, said bettering relationships between BARC, Harris County Pets, the city council and all local animal welfare groups and advocates could help find more solutions to the stray problem in Houston.

City and county health leaders were among those who joined Robert Rooks on the panel to discuss "Restorative Pathways: Reducing Recidivism, Reinventing Re-entry." Other panelists included LaTosha Selexman, Bureau Chief of Youth and Adolescent Health, City of Houston Health Department; Roshawn C. Evans, author and co-founder of Purely Justice; and Larry D. Brown Jr., Associate Director for Community Health & Violence Prevention Services, Harris County Public Health.

The Latino Chronic Disease Cohort program will enlist a range of public services to address health disparities Latinos face, such as higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and death from certain cancers.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has introduced a new pilot program to help the local Latino community battle chronic diseases. The Latino Chronic Disease Cohort is part of a larger health initiative, Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering Self-Sufficiency (ACCESS) Harris County. The initiative helps underserved communities that HCPH has identified as having critical needs.

As of September 7, the Harris County Public Health Department showed the area is at threat level green, or low impact. Cases are up though. There was a nearly 17% increase from the week before. Hospitalizations are up slightly, too. According to wastewater data, the county’s positivity rate sits at 27%.

The Harris County Public Health department says childhood obesity continues to be a severe problem in our community. In observance of National Childhood Obesity Awareness in September, the health department wants to remind families to follow healthy eating habits and to be physically active to avoid long-term chronic diseases.

Estos datos pueden variar, ya que el calor aún continúa, dijo Maritza Vela, portavoz del Departamento de Salud del Condado Harris. Las autoridades locales se movilizaron desde mayo pasado implementando y reactivando el plan de emergencia debido al calor.

Harris County Public Health officials announced an uptick in COVID-19 cases this summer and advised the public to stay up to date with vaccines and get tested.

Harris County Public Health is reminding people to stay up to date with their COVID vaccines as COVID hospitalizations are increasing week over week, recent data shows.