About

Harris County Public Health (HCPH)

Throughout the years, HCPH has responded to public health issues such as rabies, mosquito-borne illnesses, air and water pollution, disease outbreaks, water and food-borne illnesses, natural disasters, tuberculosis, polio, and other communicable diseases. 
Public health is now battling new challenges. Each year brings new diseases, new chronic disease risks, and more natural and man-made disasters.

Latest from

Public Health

IN THE NEWS

New Wastewater Testing Dashboard in Harris County

13 Jun, 25

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) launched a new online dashboard as part of a program to expand wastewater testing for the COVID-19 virus in Harris County outside the City of Houston. HCPH’s new dashboard will give community members in Harris County the opportunity to identify COVID-19 viral presence in their communities and make informed decisions to protect themselves from the virus. Community members can view the COVID-19 wastewater monitoring dashboard at hcphtx.org/Wastewater.

Harris County Public Health prepares to open new Cypress Station violence prevention center

12 Jun, 25

Harris County Public Health officials are preparing to open a new community center in Cypress Station that will serve as a neighborhood hub for residents to help reduce violence and crime in the area. “That is our goal. Get them connected to the resources that they need. We want them to achieve self-sufficiency and really adopt a pro-social lifestyle,” said Lupe Washington, HCPH's director of the community health and violence prevention services division. “So if that's helping them work through some of the trauma that they've experienced because of violence or gun violence, we are there to try and help meet those needs for the participants.”

PRESS RELEASES

HCPH Launches New Wastewater Dashboard to Track COVID-19

12 Jun, 25

HCPH’s new dashboard will give community members in Harris County the opportunity to identify COVID-19 viral presence in their communities and make informed decisions to protect themselves from the virus.

Celebrate Dad with the Gift of Health this June

06 Jun, 25

HOUSTON—Men die an average of five years earlier than women, and often from preventable causes. This significant disparity highlights the importance of proactive health measures for men. This June, in recognition of Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) encourages men to prioritize their health and well-being. From chronic disease screenings to preventive care, HCPH offers vital resources to help dads—and all men—lead longer, healthier lives.

Gun Violence Demands a Public Health Approach

04 Jun, 25

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is joining communities nationwide in observing Gun Violence Awareness Month this June. The initiative draws critical attention to the growing public health crisis of gun violence and reaffirms HCPH’s commitment to community-based prevention and healing.

Hurricane Season Starts Now—Be Prepared, Harris County!

01 Jun, 25

With the start of the 2025 hurricane season, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is encouraging all community members to take proactive steps to prepare for severe weather and potential public health impacts. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and early planning is crucial for ensuring safety, well-being, and a smooth recovery.

No Smoke, Just Strength—Be Tobacco-Free Harris County

31 May, 25

Today is World No Tobacco Day, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the ongoing impact of deceptive marketing tactics aimed at youth. This year’s focus, “You Don’t Want the Smoke,” targets young people by suggesting better life choices contrary to how the tobacco and vaping industries downplay the risks of nicotine addiction.