April 1, 2019

HOUSTON — The Houston Health Department is happy to celebrate National Public Health Week, April 1-7, 2019, by highlighting its work with partners to protect and promote the health and social well-being of Houstonians and the environment in which they live.

The first week of April is an annual opportunity to bring together communities across the United States to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation's health.

The Houston Health Department Strategic Plan 2018-2022 outlines the department’s vision moving forward. 

Highlights of the department’s work in fiscal year 2018 are provided below.

Protecting the Community from Infectious Disease

• 19,054 STD clinic visits
• 1,658 tuberculosis clinic visits
• 28,807 tuberculosis medication doses
• 11,300 immunization clinic visits
• 75,879 disease investigations

Promoting the Health of Mothers, Infants and Children

• 50 homes made lead-safe           
• 9,000 dental clinic visits
• 9,030 Project Saving Smiles exams
• 11,000 See to Succeed exams
• 6,895 My Brother’s Keeper event participants
• 62,114 WIC participants (monthly)
• 264 first time mother program participants
• 122,739 birth and death certificates

Increasing Access to Care

• 22,884 Client Access screenings
• 1,167 Care Houston Links clients
• 2,657 Care Houston Connect clients
• 8,449 Family Planning visits
• 80,956 Jail Health medial visits

Promoting Well-Being through Human Services

• 607,346 multi-service center visits
• 54,731 service linkage visits
• 1,380,663 senior congregate meals
• 45,519 senior information calls
• 5,400 senior case management clients
• 513 re-entry program participants

Protecting Consumers and the Environment and Preparing for Disasters

• 37,175 food establishment inspections
• 5,413 swimming pool inspections
• 37,139 grease trap inspections
• 79,727 environmental investigations
• 30,251 permits issued
• 20,264 preparedness event participants

Preventing Chronic Disease and Promoting Healthy Living

• 4,146 Diabetes Awareness & Wellness Network visits
• 1,343 community nutrition participants
• 865 chronic disease program participants

Learn more about Houston Health Department programs and services at HoustonHealth.org.