Harris County Public Health 2024 Annual Report Highlights Community Health Progress and Emergency Response Milestones
In a year marked by natural disasters, emerging health threats, and critical public health advancements, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) released its 2024 Annual Report, emphasizing its commitment to creating a safer, healthier, and more resilient community for nearly 5 million residents.
The comprehensive report highlights how HCPH—an accredited health department serving 30 municipalities and all unincorporated areas of Harris County—has expanded and strengthened its programs to address health disparities, prevent disease, and respond effectively to public health emergencies. With over 900 public health professionals and a $228 million operating budget, the department's impact in 2024 was widespread and multifaceted.
“This annual report describes the breadth and the impact of our service to the people of Harris County,” said Leah Barton, Interim Executive Director of Harris County Public Health. “Through innovative programs, dedicated teams, and strong partnerships, we are making a real difference in the lives of our residents. We look forward to continuing and expanding this work to create an even healthier community in the years to come.”
Public Health Emergency Response and Preparedness
One of HCPH’s most visible contributions in 2024 was its rapid response to 22 public health emergencies, including spring floods, the May 16 derecho, Hurricane Beryl, and 19 chemical industry incidents. The Public Health Preparedness and Response (PHPR) division spearheaded emergency planning and training, publishing over 800,000 multilingual preparedness booklets and launching new safety protocols including an Emergency Animal Shelter Plan.
Training efforts reached 965 HCPH employees, and 64 new volunteers joined the Harris County Medical Reserve Corps, enhancing the county’s readiness for future crises.
Expanding Preventative Health and Wellness Services
The Community Health and Wellness Division (CHW) educated over 62,961 residents through workshops covering diabetes prevention, nutrition, reproductive health, and more. The division administered 55,552 immunizations, and delivered more than 152,000 food assistance packages through ARPA-funded programs.
Notably, the Super Smiles Savers Program celebrated its 10th year, having provided dental health services to 36,000 children, and the Maternal Mental Health Program marked its first anniversary, assisting 185 families.
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Violence Prevention and Mental Health Innovation
HCPH continued its groundbreaking approach to violence as a public health issue. The Holistic Assistance Response Teams (HART) responded to over 9,500 calls, offering non-police intervention for non-violent 911 emergencies and linking individuals to social and health services. The Relentless Interrupters Serving Everyone (RISE) program provided hospital-based care to 190 survivors of gun violence, helping prevent repeat injuries and retaliation.
Through these efforts, HCPH estimates saving nearly $29 million in emergency and healthcare costs while expanding community partnerships and intervention services in high-risk ZIP codes.
Environmental and Vector Control Safeguards
The Environmental Public Health (EPH) division conducted 19,713 food safety inspections, addressed lead hazards in 233 homes, and enhanced pool safety with a 634% increase in critical safety corrections.
Simultaneously, the Mosquito and Vector Control Division (MVC) expanded its disease detection capabilities by upgrading to qPCR testing—a more accurate and timely method for identifying viruses like West Nile, Zika, and dengue. Educational outreach reached nearly 6,000 participants, and the division sprayed over 718,000 acres to control mosquito populations.
Veterinary Public Health and Animal Services
HCPH’s Veterinary Public Health Division (VPH) spayed or neutered 5,680 pets, administered over 41,000 immunizations, and facilitated 4,043 pet adoptions through events like the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters initiative. Expanded operations in 2024 included new staff roles and a push to reduce shelter overpopulation while promoting responsible pet ownership across the county.
Strategic Planning and Community Trust
In alignment with its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, HCPH made significant progress—completing 34 of 44 objectives. These included initiatives focused on equity, chronic disease prevention, mental health services, and emergency preparedness. The Office of Planning and Innovation (OPI) also submitted HCPH’s application for reaccreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board, reinforcing the department’s commitment to national public health standards.
The department released eight community health reports on issues including chronic disease, excessive heat, substance use, and air pollution—tools that guide future policy and programming to address the region’s most pressing health concerns.
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Investing in Access, Equity, and Partnerships
Programs like ACCESS Harris County connected vulnerable residents to coordinated health, housing, and social services. The program enrolled 883 participants across five cohorts, supported 296 completions, and made over 11,000 confirmed connections to vital resources like medical care, housing, food, and behavioral health support.
These successes reflect HCPH’s approach to addressing the social determinants of health, recognizing that health outcomes are shaped by broader systemic and environmental factors.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 presses on, HCPH plans to expand its Mobile Health Program, launch new community resilience workshops, and establish a RISE Empowerment Center in Cypress Station. The report reflects a public health system that is not only responsive but also proactive in building a healthier, more equitable future for Harris County.
To view the full Harris County Public Health 2024 Annual Report, visit hcphtx.org/reports. Learn more about health services provided by HCPH at publichealth.harriscountytx.gov.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
