The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM), in collaboration with the Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) and Sight Into Sound, have developed emergency preparedness tips for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The partnership is designed to ensure that the blind and visually impaired have 24/7 access to emergency preparedness information in audio formats spoken in both English and Spanish. The messages explain what to do during […]
Harris County
Harris County Judge Moves COVID-19 Threat Level to Level 3: Yellow
Vaccinations Continue Driving Down Key COVID-19 Metrics; Hidalgo Urges Community to Stay Vigilant, Particularly Over Memorial Day Weekend Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is moving the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 2: Orange to Level 3: Yellow, the system’s second-lowest threat level. The move comes as a variety of indicators continue to demonstrate significant progress in reducing the threat of COVID-19 and the availability, administration, and efficacy of vaccines for eligible […]
Houston-Harris County Rental Relief Fund Surpasses $50 Million in Aid to Local Residents
Rent Covered for Up to 14 Months for 15,000+ Families Fund Still Open; Tenants Encouraged to Apply The new $159 million Houston-Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, in operation since only the end of February, has surpassed the $50 million mark in rental relief. Over $54 million has been allocated from the fund, covering overdue rent for over 15,000 families. Up to 14 months of rent, not just a few months, is available for people impacted financially […]
Harris County Fire Marshal Encourages Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are beautiful but are very dangerous if not used properly. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office encourages anyone who chooses to use consumer fireworks to practice fireworks safety or find alternative ways to celebrate. “Fireworks safety is paramount as we continue to battle COVID-19,” said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen. “If you choose to use consumer fireworks, please read the cautionary labels and dispose of your fireworks properly. Doctors, nurses and first responders are still […]
Harris County to Receive Second Shipment of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is arriving in our community this week. This is part of the second shipment of vaccines for Harris County. The first shipment arrived last week and that was the Pfizer vaccine, and was administered by hospitals to their staff. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is receiving 3,000 doses to vaccinate Tier-1&2 groups per the Texas COVID-19 Vaccination plan. Tier-1&2 individuals are considered hospital workers, who work to protect the community and residents at long-term […]
Harris County Executive Director Leaves Current Position
Today Harris County Public Health (HCPH) announces the departure of their Executive Director Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH. Dr. Shah is set to become the next Secretary of Health for the state of Washington under Governor Jay Inslee, effective December 18, 2020. Dr. Shah first joined HCPH in 2004, as Deputy Director and the Director for Disease Control and Clinical Prevention. He was appointed HCPH Executive Director by Harris County Commissioners Court in 2013. “Under […]
HCOHSEM, MOPD and Deaf Link Create Preparedness and Safety Videos for Deaf and Hard Of Hearing Community
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM), in collaboration with the Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) and Deaf Link, have developed preparedness and safety videos for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The partnership is designed to ensure that the deaf and hard of hearing community has access to preparedness and emergency information via sign language interpreting, with English and Spanish subtitles. These videos are one […]
YMCA Of Greater Houston Receives Funding For Covid-19 Child Care Assistance
Programs provide free tuition to help families in need get back to work In response to the economic crisis facing the community, child care providers, and families due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Harris County has awarded the YMCA of Greater Houston funding to support residents with child care and virtual learning services to help them get back to work in their communities. This funding is a result of the Harris County Commissioners Court’s unanimous vote to spend […]
Federal Judge Rejects GOP Efforts to Disenfranchise Harris County Voters
In a victory for democracy, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen rejected an effort by GOP activists and candidates to nullify over 127,000 ballots cast by Harris County voters using drive-thru voting. The three GOP candidates who filed the lawsuit waited until voters had already cast their ballots in good faith, months after Texas’s Republican Secretary of State had approved Harris County’s drive-thru voting plan, to challenge this process. Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation Executive […]
Harris County Commissioners Court Approves $10 Million Investment in Early Childhood Development
Early Childhood Impact Fund will incubate promising interventions that help children reach full potential while reducing health disparities, costs to society Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved the Early Childhood Impact Fund, a $10 million accelerator of innovative and evidence-based programs designed to help children thrive. Over a period of two to three years, the initiative will provide seed investments to programs with significant potential to dramatically improve early childhood outcomes and provide critical […]