Harris County Public Health

Today is World Malaria Day – Zero Malaria Starts with Us!

Malaria Infects Approximately 2,000 Americans Each Year Every year, April 25th marks World Malaria Day – a day to recognize the global efforts to combat one of the world’s deadliest diseases. Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. With temperatures on the rise and with mosquito season upon us, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) wants to encourage residents to take precautions. According to the Centers for Disease Control […]

Harris County Public Health’s Veterinary Public Health Division Launches New Public Facing Dashboard Today!

The Dashboard Highlights Key Metrics Related to the Operation of Harris County Pets Harris County Public Health’s (HCPH) Veterinary Public Health (VPH) Division has launched a new public-facing dashboard to highlight key metrics related to the operation of VPH and Harris County Pets (HCP). The dashboard can be viewed by clicking this link. VPH created this dashboard in the spirit of transparency, communication and data sharing, and aims to provide a comprehensive view of activities and […]

“Tip, Toss, Treat” this Mosquito Season

Keep mosquito bites to a minimum this summer with a few simple tips Mosquito season is upon us, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) reminds residents to practice a few simple tips to reduce mosquito bites. With temperatures on the rise, residents should expect to see more mosquitoes outside, increasing the likelihood for disease transmission. Mosquitoes are present throughout the year; however, peak mosquito activity occurs in warmer weather, typically from May through October. Out […]

Raising Awareness: Black Maternal Health Week is Observed April 11 – 17

Raising awareness and addressing inequalities Black families face across the country Black Maternal Health Week is recognized annually, April 11-17, across the United States and — led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance — aims​ to build awareness, activism, and community to amplify ​the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black Mamas and birthing persons. Black birthing persons and new parents are disproportionately affected by racial inequities and a lack of access to resources. “Harris County […]

Anyone Can Get It, But Young People Are at Higher Risk for STI/STDs

April 9 – 15, 2023 is STI Awareness Week – Are you at risk? April 9 – 15, 2023 is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week 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 2018 for […]

Nutritious Food is the Fuel that Keeps Our Bodies Running

March is National Nutrition Month® March is National Nutrition Month® and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) wants you to know how you can fuel for the future when planning meals and snacks to take care of yourself through each life stage. This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Nutrition Month®, which was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Academy is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals and is […]

Harris County Public Health Receives $25 Million Grant Award from the CDC to Strengthen Its Workforce

Grant Will Support HCPH’s Additional Staffing and Professional Development The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded a $25 million grant to Harris County Public Health (HCPH) to expand on HCPH’s workforce, staff development activities, and community capacity building.  The award was accepted this afternoon by the Harris County Commissioners Court. “These dollars are an investment in both our community and in our public health workforce. Our public health sector has been hit hard […]

Maternal Health Continues to be an Urgent Crisis in Harris County

Maternal Health Awareness Day is January 23 – A call to action to improve maternal health January 23rd is Maternal Health Awareness Day, a day in which Harris County Public Health (HCPH) highlights the urgent maternal and infant health crisis in the county. HCPH reminds our birthing communities about the importance of knowing their risk and the many preventive steps that can be taken to ensure healthier outcomes. Pregnancy and birth can carry serious health risks […]

Get Informed, Screened, and Vaccinated for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Take the next steps towards preventing cervical cancer and learn about the many treatment options available January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) wants you to get informed, screened, and vaccinated to better protect your cervical health. Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells arise in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer. It is […]

HCPH Now Offering Updated COVID-19 Booster Doses for Children Six Months of Age and Older

The Updated COVID-19 Booster (Bivalent) Offers Higher Protection Against Omicron Strains Tomorrow, Friday, December 16th , Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will begin administering Moderna COVID-19 updated boosters (Bivalent) to children six months of age to five years old and Pfizer COVID-19 updated boosters for children six months to four years old at all HCPH Vaccination Sites. The updated COVID-19 booster vaccine offers higher protection against the original COVID-19 strains and the Omicron variant. The […]