How To Find The Texas Public Health Department That Serves Your County

In this community resource guide, you will learn how to find the public health department that serves your county. 

As a resident of Texas, it’s important to be aware of the resources available to you in the event of a health emergency or when you need access to health services. County public health departments in Texas are government agencies that are dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of their communities. They offer a range of services that can help you stay healthy and informed.

In this article, we’ll explore how to find your local public health department in Texas, and the services they offer.

Why Find Your County Public Health Department?

Knowing the location and contact information for your county’s public health department can be helpful in a variety of situations. For example, if you need to schedule an immunization appointment, get a tuberculosis test, or receive other clinical services, your local public health department may be able to assist you.

Additionally, in the event of a public health emergency such as a natural disaster or disease outbreak, your county health department may play a key role in coordinating a response and keeping the community informed.

How to Find Your County Public Health Department

The Texas Department of State Health Services website offers a useful tool for finding your county public health department in Texas. Below is a screenshot of the listing of counties that you will find on their website. 

You can also find your local Texas publich health department by using the map below. 

9 Services Offered by County Public Health Departments in Texas

County public health departments in Texas offer a wide range of services to promote and protect the health of their communities. Not every public health department will offer the same services. The size of the county will determine the budget and services that they can offer to the public. Below are some of the services they may offer include:

1.) Disease Surveillance and Control

Public health departments monitor and investigate the occurrence of infectious diseases and other health conditions in the community. They work to prevent the spread of disease through measures such as vaccination campaigns and outbreak investigations.

2.) Health Education and Promotion

County health departments provide information and resources to help people improve their health and prevent illness. They may offer educational programs on topics such as healthy eating, physical activity, and smoking cessation.

3.) Environmental Health

County health departments monitor and regulate environmental factors that can affect public health, such as air and water quality, food safety, and hazardous waste disposal.

4.) Immunizations

County public health departments may offer vaccines for a variety of diseases, including the flu, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A and B, and more. They may also provide immunizations for international travel. If you lost your COVID 19 vaccine card, your local health department may be able to help you get a new one. 

5.) Clinical Services

County health departments may offer a variety of clinical services, such as family planning, STD testing and treatment, tuberculosis testing, and HIV counseling and testing.

6.) Women’s Health Services

Some county health departments may offer services specifically for women, such as breast and cervical cancer screenings, pregnancy testing, and prenatal care.

7.) Dental Health Services

Some county health departments may offer dental services, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions.

8.) Mental Health Services

County health departments may offer mental health services such as counseling, therapy, and referrals to other mental health providers.

9.) Public Health Emergency Preparedness

County health departments work to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and bioterrorism threats.

Conclusion

Your county public health department in Texas is a valuable resource for promoting and protecting your health. Whether you need to schedule an immunization appointment, get a tuberculosis test, or receive other clinical services, your local public health department may be able to assist you.

Additionally, in the event of a public health emergency, your county health department may play a key role in coordinating a response and keeping the community informed.

If you cannot find your Texas public health department in the map above, leave a comment below and I will let you know which health departement serves your county.